Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) successfully advanced to the Round of 32 of the Coupe de France after pulling off a thrilling victory against RC Lens, with the match concluding 1-1 after regular time and PSG sealing the deal with a 4-3 win on penalties. The clash unfolded at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis on December 22, 2024, showcasing the fierce competition typical of knockout tournaments.
The match initially saw PSG struggling to find their rhythm after RC Lens took the lead early on. Despite their Ligue 1 dominance, PSG found themselves on the back foot when the home side netted the opening goal. RC Lens capitalized on some uncertainty from the visitors, giving the home fans hope for an upset.
Yet the Ligue 1 leaders did not take long to respond. Gonçalo Ramos entered the game as a substitute, coming on for PSG at the 66th minute, and it was just four minutes later when he made his mark. Scoring the equalizer at the 70th minute, Ramos silenced the home crowd and demonstrated why he’s such a valuable asset to the team. The quick switch to score reflected PSG's resilience and tactical flexibility, begging the question of why the talented forward wasn’t included from the start.
Adding to the drama of the match was the contentious moment when Achraf Hakimi appeared to score what would have been the opening goal for PSG. Their joy was short-lived, as the goal was ruled offside. Replay footage raised eyebrows among fans and analysts, pointing out how Hakimi seemed to be onside when the ball was played. Unfortunately, for PSG, the Coupe de France, at this stage, does not implement VAR, which could have potentially altered the outcome of this decision. Many supporters felt the referee's call was incorrect, leading to heated discussions even after the final whistle.
With the match tied at 1-1, the teams faced the pressure of the penalty shootout. The tension was palpable, as both squads knew how significant this moment was for their respective journeys in the tournament. PSG managed to stay composed under pressure, and after a nail-biting series of kicks, they emerged victorious, converting four of their penalties against Lens's three.
The win not only secures PSG’s place in the Round of 32 but also reflects their ability to perform under pressure. The nerves of the players were evident, but the confidence among the squad members was clear as well, particularly from their captain who managed to send the crowd home happy.
Fans celebrated the team’s determination to fight back after conceding and their ability to handle the high-stakes situation of penalties. Ramos's late-game impact was also a talking point, with supporters questioning his marginalization at the start of the match, especially as they had already endured the earlier disappointment of Hakimi's disallowed goal. Following the match, pundits speculated whether PSG's tactical setup might evolve moving forward to incorporate Ramos more consistently.
This victory is especially meaningful for PSG as it marks their last match of 2024 before the holiday break, providing them momentum as they step away from competitive football for the festive season. Manager Christophe Galtier will take this win as both a confidence booster and as valuable experience for his squad as they prepare for future challenges.
The penalty victory over Lens leaves PSG well positioned for their next matches, as they look to continue their dominance not just domestically but also on the European front. The squad’s depth will be tested as they aim to navigate through the busy fixture calendar following the holiday period.
Overall, this match encapsulates the heart of knockout football: drama, controversy, and the thrill of competition, reminding everyone why the Coupe de France is revered as one of the most exhilarating tournaments.
