PARIS: Paris St Germain claimed a 4-3 win on penalties at Lens to reach the French Cup last 32 after a 1-1 stalemate in regular time on Sunday.

M’Bala Nzola was both hero and villain for the hosts, giving them an unexpected lead in the 66th minute but missing their fourth kick of the shootout.

PSG reserve goalkeeper Matvei Safonov then saved Andy Diouf’s spot kick to hand his side the victory with all of their penalty takers scoring with their first four.

The Ligue 1 leaders had looked dominant for much of the contest but briefly found themselves behind before Goncalo Ramos levelled in the 70th minute.

PSG will face fourth-tier Espaly in the next round, which will be played between Jan. 14-16.

Elsewhere on Sunday, Olympique de Marseille cruised to a 4-0 win away at St Etienne in another all top-flight tie.

St Etienne had Ibrahim Sissoko sent off before the midway point in the first half, and Marseille took full advantage as Mason Greenwood fired them ahead moments later with his 11th goal of the season.

Adrien Rabiot made it 2-0 before the break and both Luis Henrique and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg found the net in the second half.

Marseille will be at home to Lille in a heavyweight tie in the last 32.

Monaco were 4-1 winners way at minnows Union Saint-Jean in Toulouse, and will next go to Reims, who also won away at lower-league opposition on Sunday.

Stade Rennes triumphed 4-1 at fallen giants Girondins Bordeaux, while Angers also advanced, with Auxerre the only Ligue 1 club to be eliminated on Sunday as they lost 1-0 at home to Dunkerque of Ligue 2.

Published in Dawn, December 24th, 2024