RC Lens and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are set to face off this Sunday evening at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis for the Coupe de France round of 32, marking one of the most anticipated matches of the competition. This historic meeting pits the Sang et Or—who have yet to claim the prestigious cup—against the French giants, who currently lead Ligue 1.
The match is scheduled for 9 PM local time, creating an electric atmosphere as nearly 40,000 fans are expected to fill the stands, vocally supporting their teams. For PSG, this game marks their initiation as holders of 15 Coupe de France titles.
Despite their impressive history, PSG will enter the match without pivotal players due to injuries. Gianluigi Donnarumma, the club’s first-choice goalkeeper, is out after suffering facial injuries from a recent match against Monaco. He will be replaced by Matvey Safonov, who has less experience but aims to assert himself amid these high stakes.
RC Lens will similarly miss their regular keeper, Brice Samba, whose ankle and back injuries have sidelined him. Hervé Koffi is expected to step up for his first major test since joining the club, needing to be at his best against one of the most potent attacking line-ups in the league.
Lens enters the match with mixed recent results, recording a draw against Auxerre. Despite their seventh-place standing and solid defense, they face the tall order of matching PSG's prowess. They hope the fervent crowd at Bollaert will help tip the scales. "It's going to be tough, but we need to rally our fans behind us," stated Lens coach Will Still.
Historically, PSG boasts the advantage over Lens, winning 45 of their 91 competitive meetings with 21 draws and 25 losses. The last confrontation resulted in a narrow 1-0 win for PSG just weeks ago, also at Parc des Princes. Both teams have experienced momentum shifts through the early stages of the season, with PSG riding high on their league wins and Lens eager to regain form.
The match's high stakes are not lost on either team. For Lens, this is not just another cup game; it stands as their opportunity to write their name alongside the legends if they can overcome reigning champions PSG. Former Lens president Gervais Martel remarked before the match day, "This is one of the few clubs never to win the Coupe de France, and to win it, we have to beat everyone, whether it’s Paris or Tartempion. Generally, after tough draws, we get easier matches. We have good chances. On paper, Paris is above us, so what?"
Security measures have also been heightened for this encounter due to the historical tensions between the two clubs. PSG fans will be barred from attending or entering the vicinity of the stadium, reflecting past incidents where the rivalry flared over fan rivalries. Special arrangements will see PSG supporters arrive under police escort, ensuring safety and order during the match.
With both teams eager to advance, the tactical battle is anticipated. PSG's coach Luis Enrique is expected to field his strongest possible team, driven by the immediate need to deliver under pressure and navigate the diverse challenges Lens will present.
Fans from both sides are already speculating on the potential outcomes of the match. Will PSG assert their dominance as favorites, or will Lens capitalize on their home atmosphere to secure victory?
Regardless of past performances, the challenge remains: the winner will face FC Espaly from National 3, adding to the match's significance. The showdown offers fans excitement and momentum as these two clubs collide.
Kick-off is on December 22 at 9 PM, with millions watching as the battle for progression to the next round of the Coupe de France kicks off. Tune in to witness whether Paris Saint-Germain maintains its formidable record or if RC Lens breaks through to make history.
