Paris Saint-Germain dominates the domestic league, but they struggled to advance to the Round of 32 in the French Cup. It took a penalty shootout for them to defeat the seventh-placed Ligue 1 team, Lens. After 90+ minutes, the score was 1-1, and Matvey Safonov shone in the penalty series, making two crucial saves to lead his team to the next round. There, PSG will face fifth-tier Espaly Saint-Marcel, meaning preparations for the January 15th celebrations in southern France can already begin.Penalty shootout PSG (4-3) Lens#RCLPSG #CoupeDeFrancepic.twitter.com/UK2I1zMocW— Toni (@Footballfan0088) December 22, 2024 Despite his team having played two derbies in the past week—against Lyon (a 3-1 win) and Monaco (a 4-2 win)—Luis Enrique fielded a strong starting lineup for this away match. Players like Désiré Doué, Ousmane Dembélé, Fabián Ruiz, Vitinha, Marquinhos, and Achraf Hakimi were on the pitch. Safonov replaced Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal due to the latter’s facial injuries caused by a boot from Monaco’s Wilfried Singo. The Russian goalkeeper had no chance in the 66th minute when the ball, following a header scramble in PSG’s penalty area, landed at the feet of Embala Nzola, who smashed it into the net from close range. However, Safonov redeemed himself by saving penalties in the fourth series—helped by the crossbar—and then reading Andy Diouf’s shot. Unlike Lens’ players, all of PSG’s penalty takers—Vitinha, Ramos, Dembélé, and Barcola—were flawless.Who can splash out the money for Kolo Muani?The hosts’ lead lasted just four minutes. Luis Enrique’s decision to bring on Gonçalo Ramos after conceding proved a masterstroke. In the 70th minute, Ramos scored the equalizer, marking his fourth consecutive game on the scoresheet. His goal came after Hakimi’s diagonal ball found Nuno Mendes, who headed it down to his Portuguese teammate. It seemed Kevin Danso would clear the danger, but the Austrian defender slipped, leaving Ramos with a golden opportunity he didn’t miss. It was his fourth straight and seventh overall goal of the season, impressive considering he missed much of the early campaign due to an ankle injury. Ramos also became just the second PSG player to score in three consecutive matches as a substitute.##EDITORS_CHOICE##The former Benfica striker constantly troubled Lens’ defense, though they managed to prevent him from scoring again before penalties. However, Ramos was clinical in the shootout, as were his teammates. Combined with Safonov’s saves, this was enough to secure their progression. Safonov’s performance tonight has increased pressure on Donnarumma, as French media recently reported the Italian’s dissatisfaction with having a strong competitor for the starting spot rather than a backup who would play only occasionally. This situation has even stalled contract extension talks between Donnarumma and PSG, as his current deal runs until summer 2026. Considering Safonov’s excellent form and the fact that he cost 20 million euros in June, it’s uncertain whether we’ll see Donnarumma in Paris next season—or in what capacity.##NAJAVA_MECA_8586415##
