Mbappé redeems himself after missing a penalty, and PSG goes to the French Cup final

The French Cup final has been decided. This Wednesday, the PSG beat Rennes, 1-0, in a duel played at Parque dos Príncipes, and advanced to the decision. After missing a penalty, Kylian Mbappé redeemed himself and scored the decisive goal in the home team’s triumph.

With the victory over Rennes, Mbappé’s PSG will face Lyon in the grand final of the competition. To reach the decision, the rival beat Valenciennes, from the French second division, 3-0. The title match is scheduled for May 25th, in Lille.

Now, both teams return to focus on French Championship. For the 28th round, PSG hosts Clermont. The ball rolls this Saturday, at 4 pm (Brasília time), at Parque dos Príncipes.

Rennes returns to the pitch this Sunday. The team faces Monaco, starting at 12:05 pm, at the Louis II Stadium.

The game

At 11 minutes, the game heated up. After Dembelé’s pass, Mbappé gained speed, came out in front of Mandanda and finished. The goalkeeper made a great save and the ball even exploded onto the crossbar.

And Rennes came out on the counterattack precisely after getting the rebound. Kalimuendo received a good pass and crossed the goal, but Donnarumma made a great save to prevent what would have been the first goal of the match.

With 25 minutes, PSG had a great chance to open the scoring again. Dembelé appeared on the right side and dribbled past three players, but when it was time to finish the move, he caught the ball badly and sent it out.

It was in the 34th minute that Mbappé was brought down inside the penalty area and the referee awarded a penalty. During the kick, however, the French star hit the right corner, and Mandanda went after it to keep Rennes alive in the match until that moment.

👍 @KMbappe 👍

🏆 #PSGSRFC 1-0 I #CDF https://t.co/FlUEH9Ojnr pic.twitter.com/QJ5XphZFXC

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) April 3, 2024

However, in the 39th minute, the number 7 redeemed himself. The attacker received the ball on the left side after a throw, cut the marker and shot at the goal. The ball deflected off Guéla Doué’s leg and ended up in the back of the net: 1-0.

After half-time, Rennes started putting pressure on PSG to tie the match. Gouiri received the ball inside the penalty area and hit the goal, but the ball passed close to the right post of the goal defended by Donnarumma and went through the baseline.

With 21 minutes of the final stage, Kalimuendo had a great opportunity to leave everything equal for Rennes. After a cross, the visitors’ attack backed up and the number 9 headed in, but sent it over the goal.

But in the 33rd minute, PSG also showed that they were alive. Asensio, who had just entered, finished from inside the area, but was saved by goalkeeper Mandanda. Rennes even tried a final pressure, but were unable to convert their chances and, as a result, the team from the French capital advanced to the final.

𝐄𝐍 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐄! 🏆🔴🔵

✨ @coupedefrance pic.twitter.com/lmshH9cxcJ

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) April 3, 2024