PARIS (AFP) - Kylian Mbappe was sent off for a shocking tackle late in extra time as Paris Saint-Germain were stunned by Rennes in Saturday's (April 27) French Cup final, losing 6-5 on penalties after a dramatic game finished 2-2 at the end of extra time.
Substitute Christopher Nkunku blazed his sudden-death spot-kick over the bar in the shootout, sparking scenes of joy among the Rennes fans at the Stade de France as they won a first trophy in almost half a century.
It was a remarkable comeback from the Brittany side, who had seen Dani Alves and Neymar give Ligue 1 champions PSG a 2-0 lead midway through the first half.
Thomas Tuchel's side appeared poised to wrap up a domestic double, but Presnel Kimpembe's own goal just before the break gave Rennes hope and Edson Mexer headed them level in the 66th minute to take a gripping final - attended by President Emmanuel Macron - to extra time.
Penalties were already looming when Mbappe was shown a straight red card by referee Ruddy Buquet for a dreadful challenge on Damien Da Silva near the corner flag.
The France star caught the Rennes defender on the knee with his studs, and can expect a lengthy ban as a result.
Without him, PSG fell short of securing the double in Tuchel's first season in charge, which will also be remembered for their Champions League exit to Manchester United in the last 16.
Instead, it is traditional underachievers Rennes who celebrate a historic victory, their first silverware since the 1971 French Cup also meaning a return to the Europa League next season.
NEYMAR BACK AMONG GOALS
Few of their fans would have imagined that possible after the way they started the game, with PSG looking more like their former selves as Neymar made his first start in three months after injury.
Alongside him, Angel Di Maria was back for his first appearance in more than a month, as PSG went looking for their second trophy in seven days.
Rennes had been knocked out of this competition following heavy defeats by PSG in the earlier rounds in each of the last two seasons, and another hiding looked on the cards as PSG went 2-0 up early on.
The opener came in the 13th minute when a corner fell to Alves just outside the area and he met the ball with a volley from 20 yards that flew low into the corner.
The second goal came midway through the first half, as a stray Hatem Ben Arfa pass was intercepted by Alves and it was Di Maria who sent Neymar through to score with a delightful chip over Tomas Koubek, who had come off his line.
It was a 21st goal of the season for the world's most expensive player, despite that enforced three-month hiatus.
- Rennes battle back - Rennes roused themselves to finish the half strongly, however, and Mbaye Niang struck a post before they reduced the arrears five minutes from the interval. Hamari Traore crossed from the right and Kimpembe sliced the ball into his own net.
They continued to cause problems to PSG at the start of the second half, and it was not a surprise when Rennes equalised in the 66th minute as Clement Grenier's corner from the left was headed home by Mexer, a rare goal from the Mozambican defender.
Into extra time they went, with Tuchel sending on Edinson Cavani, another PSG star who has spent much of the recent weeks on the sidelines.
Neymar set up Mbappe for a shot against the post, but proof that Rennes had done more than just ruffle PSG's feathers came when France's golden boy was sent off. It was not to be his or PSG's night, for once.
Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero will travel with the rest of their squad for their FA Cup semifinal against Brighton and Hove Albion having nearly recovered from a hamstring injury, manager Pep Guardiola said Friday.
Football: Man City's Aguero in frame to face Brighton in FA Cup
Already available on the discovery website: The captains return to Dutch Harbor days before the opening of king crab season.As they prepare their boats and their crews to battle the Bering Sea, they must also face each other to settle unfinished business from the past season.
Bedroom Headboards :: Footboards :: Bunkbeds :: Captains Beds
798-wood.com/bedroom-headboards-footboards-beds.php
Fine Wood Furniture offers a wide variety of twin beds, full beds, queen beds, king beds, bunkbeds, captains beds, and loft beds in unfinished real woods such as maple, pine, parawood and oak. Custom finishing of unfinished furniture is available for all showroom pieces.
Geva Mentor: England captain has 'unfinished business' - BBC
Manchester: Manchester City were shocked 3-2 by Crystal Palace at home on Saturday, suffering their second defeat in three Premier League matches to lose ground on Liverpool in the title race.
Manchester City suffer shock Premier League defeat by Crystal
Football: Sport Singapore enters three-year partnership with
Football: Vertonghen to see neurologist over head injury LONDON (AFP) - Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen will see a neurologist on Thursday (May 2) after suffering a horrific head injury during his side's Champions League semi-final defeat against Ajax.
Jan Vertonghen to miss Tottenham's trip to Bournemouth after
This is a 3 bedroom apartment available for holiday rental in La Mata, Spain. A few people have asked several questions relating to a property relating to locations and sizes. This one will give
Kill in Spanish | English to Spanish Translation - SpanishDict
South Korea's victorious under-18 team were stripped of the Panda Cup on Thursday after they infuriated hosts China with their celebrations. The Koreans had already apologised to "all the people in China" after a picture emerged of a player with his foot on the trophy.
China strips South Korea of football trophy for 'indecent
Feb 12, 2019 · Gordon Banks: England's World Cup-winning goalkeeper dies aged 81 Banks was a hugely loved and respected figure within the world of football. Tributes to Banks poured in from the world of
Gordon Banks, England's 1966 World Cup winning goalkeeper
"At times we played really good football but it can, and it must be, a lot better on Sunday," said Van Dijk. "There were times where we did not put enough pressure on them and were sloppy and lost the ball. "Against Germany we can expect a completely different game and we all realise that. We know what we are capable of."
Neymar hints at joining Real Madrid. AFP March 3, 2019, "He's going to become one of the best players in the history of football and I'm trying to help him as best as possible. We have the
Neymar hints at joining Real Madrid - Pulse Nigeria
Last season, Conte was stubborn too. How could you sack Costa for Morata? Again, Bakayoko too was a flop. But he consistently used him. The teams had antidote to his 3 back formation taking advantage of Alonslow but he never changed.
Football: Lionel Messi shines as Barcelona survive scare to
Football: Klopp dismisses talk of Liverpool crumbling under pressure Liverpool drew 1-1 at home to Leicester City, prompting questions about their ability to stay the course. PHOTO: REUTERS
Klopp dismisses talk of Liverpool crumbling under pressure
Los Angeles: Former England star Wayne Rooney scored three goals on Saturday night to lead D.C. United to a crushing 5-0 victory over Real Salt Lake. Rooney registered his first three goals of the new season and also his first hat trick since signing on with Major League Soccer in July 2018. He now has five multi-goal games.
Wayne Rooney scores his first MLS hat-trick as DC United
winner | Malaysia News is a newsreader (RSS reader) providing a summary of headlines and latest news stories disseminated in the reliable news sources from Malaysia News. Malaysia News reads latest regional, national and local headlines in English and Melayu.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic fails to attend training for Paris Saint
0 comments:
Post a Comment