Paris Saint-Germain started their defence of the French Cup by edging out Ligue 1 rivals Lens on penalties within the final 64 on Sunday, with goalkeeper Matvey Safonov their hero within the shootout. Starting within the absence of Gianluigi Donnarumma, who was recovering from a facial harm suffered towards Monaco in midweek, Russian Safonov saved penalties from each M’Bala Nzola and Andy Diouf as PSG gained the shootout 4-3 following a 1-1 draw. Earlier, Abdukodir Khusanov had given Lens the lead within the second half within the far north of France, just for Goncalo Ramos to rapidly equalise for PSG.
The Ligue 1 leaders beat Lyon in final season’s remaining to win the French Cup for a record-extending fifteenth time.
Fifth-tier minnows Espaly from south-central France will now face PSG within the subsequent spherical in mid-January, in what’s a dream tie for the lower-league aspect.
Elsewhere on Sunday, Marseille cruised to a 4-0 win away at Saint-Etienne in one other all top-flight tie.
Saint-Etienne had Ibrahim Sissoko despatched off earlier than the halfway level within the first half, and Marseille took full benefit as Mason Greenwood fired them forward moments later together with his eleventh objective of the season.
Adrien Rabiot made it 2-0 earlier than the break and each Luis Henrique and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg discovered the web within the second half.
Marseille will likely be at dwelling to Lille in a heavyweight tie within the final 32.
Monaco had been 4-1 winners method at minnows Union Saint-Jean in Toulouse, and can subsequent go to Reims, who additionally gained away at lower-league opposition on Sunday.
Rennes triumphed 4-1 at fallen giants Bordeaux, whereas Angers additionally superior, with Auxerre the one Ligue 1 membership to be eradicated on Sunday as they misplaced 1-0 at dwelling to Dunkerque of Ligue 2.
Auxerre went the best way of Le Havre and Montpellier, who had been each knocked out on Saturday.
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