PSG Dominates Stade Briochin to Secure Spot in Coupe de France Semifinals
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) continued their impressive tenure in the Coupe de France with a commanding victory over Stade Briochin, winning 5-1 at Roazhon Park on February 26, 2025. The match solidified PSG's reputation as tournament favorites, extending their winning streak to nine games across all competitions.
Notably, Gonçalo Ramos was the star of the match, scoring three goals, including one from the penalty spot. His performance alongside João Neves, who found the net early on, underscored PSG's superior class, particularly against their lower-tier opponents. The young striker Ramos struck first at the 36-minute mark, and after scoring his penalty at 49', he sealed his hat-trick with another goal at 58'. This explosive display came just as Stade Briochin had seemingly threatened to narrow the gap with their own goal from Désiré Doué shortly after halftime.
The atmosphere was electric at the stadium, with the local supporters rallying behind Stade Briochin, who currently play in the Championnat National 2, the fourth tier of French football. Despite their underdog status, Briochin entered the match full of confidence after impressive prior victories, including their 6-2 thrashing of US Granville. Yet, they faced the insurmountable task of overcoming one of the giants of Ligue 1.
PSG, managed by Luis Enrique, arrived at Roazhon Park with significant momentum, having recently edged out Olympique Lyon 3-2 and maintaining their top position within the league. They were determined not to let complacency set in, especially facing the prospect of upcoming UEFA Champions League matches against the formidable Liverpool.
Throughout the match, PSG showcased their attacking prowess, dominating possession and frequently threatening Briochin's goal. The Parisians were relentless, with multiple shots on target and corner kicks pressuring the oppositional defense. Despite some moments of danger for PSG, particularly at the start, where Briochin had several promising attacks, the visiting team quickly regained control and dictated the pace of the game.
A standout moment came when Ramos attempted to score from the center of the area, demonstrating his clinical finishing skills. His hat-trick solidified his reputation and exemplified PSG's superior talent on the field. After Doué briefly brought hope to the Briochin supporters by scoring, Ramos and the Parisians quickly doused any thoughts of a comeback.
The match clearly illustrated the vast gulf between teams from different divisions, yet PSG understands the perils of underestimations. Luis Enrique emphasized, “If you look at most Ligue 1 teams already eliminated from the Cup, we know it won’t be easy.” His wisdom from past experiences showed as the squad played with precision and caution, ensuring they didn't slip-up against lower-ranked competition.
Defensively, PSG exhibited their disciplined shape, with Marquinhos and Donnarumma firmly guarding against any potential Briochin threats. The local team struggled to create meaningful chances as PSG pressed consistently, stifling their rhythm and frustrating their attempts at counterattacks.
Stade Briochin had their chances but found the PSG defense resolute. The home side had one notable strike cannon off the woodwork, leaving the crowd gasping, but their efforts were met with solid goalkeeping from Gianluigi Donnarumma. The match saw significant changes midway through the second half as Enrique rotated players without letting up on the aggressive tactics against Briochin.
With this result, PSG advances to the semifinals of the Coupe de France, where they aim to secure their place at the top of French football. Their next clash will be against Stade de Reims, who qualified through penalties after a thrilling match against Angers, setting another challenging path for PSG.
For Stade Briochin, the tournament has been remarkable; reaching the quarter-finals is no small feat for a team from the fourth division. They are expected to exit the tournament, but their resilience has garnered respect and admiration. “We came here without pressure and just wanted to have fun on the pitch,” said coach Henrick La Paz after the match, highlighting the inspiring run of his team throughout the competition.
With the Coupe de France known for its surprises, the match served as another reminder of why the tournament remains one of the oldest and most cherished football contests, showing the spirit of competition against the backdrop of overwhelming odds. While PSG can revel now, La Paz and Briochin will reflect on their brave effort, aiming for continued success back at their league.