The quarter-finals of the Coupe de France witnessed another commanding performance from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) as they effortlessly sailed into the semi-finals with a resounding 7-0 victory over fourth-tier Stade Briochin. Roazhon Park in Rennes was the backdrop for this David vs Goliath encounter that did not feature the typical underdog triumph.
In a game that kicked off with both teams displaying a promising start, it was PSG who carved out the first real opportunity. Goncalo Ramos, who would later go on to notch a hat-trick, saw his headed attempt from a corner safely saved by the Stade Briochin goalkeeper. This initial foray into the Briochin defense was a sign of things to come.
A mere 16 minutes into the game, Ligue 1 giants PSG broke the deadlock with a thunderous strike from João Neves. The ball ricocheted off the crossbar before landing perfectly for Neves to smash it into the net, leaving no doubt about his football prowess. This marked the beginning of a scoring spree for the Parisians.
With the lead in hand, PSG began to dominate the game, creating numerous scoring opportunities. A notable attempt from Fabian Ruiz thundered off the crossbar, an indicator of the siege PSG laid on the Briochin goal. However, it was not until the 36th-minute mark that the Parisians doubled their lead through Goncalo Ramos.
Despite being two goals down, Stade Briochin displayed remarkable resilience. They continued to push forward on the counterattack but were unable to find the final touch, with the crucial final ball continually evading them. Their efforts ensured that they entered the halftime break with the scoreline remaining at 2-0, a respectable outcome for the Championnat National 2 Group 2 team against such formidable opposition.
The second half, however, saw PSG’s superiority shine through. A hat-trick from Ramos, along with goals from Desire Doue and Senny Mayulu, completed the 7-0 rout. The result is a testament to PSG’s strength as they continue their quest for Coupe de France glory.
In conclusion, while Stade Briochin may not have written the underdog story they coveted, their performance against a team of PSG’s calibre was commendable. On the other hand, PSG’s cruise to the semi-finals of the Coupe de France is a reminder of their dominance in French football, and the team remains a force to be reckoned with.