Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secured a 4-3 win on penalties over Lens to progress to the French Cup last 32 after a 1-1 draw in regular time on Sunday.
Lens’ M’Bala Nzola played a pivotal role, scoring an unexpected lead for the hosts in the 66th minute before becoming the villain in the shootout, missing his team’s fourth penalty. PSG’s reserve goalkeeper, Matvei Safonov, then saved Andy Diouf’s kick, ensuring victory for the Parisians, who converted all four of their penalties.
“I’m happy. I don’t think I’m the man of the match. Stopping penalties is normal for a goalkeeper,” Safonov remarked after the match. “It was a tough game against a very good team.”
PSG dominated much of the match but found themselves trailing before Goncalo Ramos equalized in the 70th minute to send the game to penalties.
“We’re very happy with the win, but it wasn’t the match we wanted,” said PSG left-back Nuno Mendes. “We were level 1-1 after 90 minutes. But we did well with the penalties, and we’re leaving with the win, which is the most exciting thing. We’re going to rest and come back for 2025.”
The victory sets PSG up for a clash against fourth-tier Espaly in the next round, which will take place between January 14 and 16.
“It will be a cup match, and anything can happen, so we’ll have to stay focused and give our all,” Mendes added.
