Luis Enrique praises PSG effort after ´hard-fought´ win

Luis Enrique was pleased with Paris Saint-Germain’s effort in a “hard-fought” match as they triumphed on penalties against Lens in the Coupe de France.

The defending champions had to go all the way, after a 1-1 draw in normal time – Goncalo Ramos equalised four minutes after M’Bala Nzola’s opener – Matvey Safonov saved two spot-kicks as they triumphed 4-3 on penalties.

Ramos became just the second player in PSG history to score in three successive Coupe de France games when starting as a substitute, with Jacky Remond between October and November 1970 the only other player to do so.

PSG ended the contest with an expected goals (xG) total of 1.74 from their 18 attempts compared to Lens’ 1.05 from their 12 efforts, and Luis Enrique was impressed with how the team handled the game.

“I think it was a very hard-fought match, difficult for both teams,” Luis Enrique said. “We carried the weight of the match.

“Maybe we lacked a bit of physical freshness, but I think the team was always in the game, competitive and, of course, winning on penalties is also good for the team’s morale. Matvey Safonov was very good. He was very effective.

The year 2024 ends as it began! With @coupedefrance progression! #RCLPSG 1-1 pic.twitter.com/u7CHBUYIiN

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) December 22, 2024

“The four penalty-takers were also very determined. And I repeat, it’s a great win that allows us to spend Christmas with our families, to enjoy what lies ahead in January, the competitions that await us, and I’m very happy with the effort put in by the whole team.”

Safonov, deputising for the injured Gianluigi Donnarumma after he suffered a nasty facial injury last time out, denied both Nzola and Andy Diouf from the spot to secure PSG’s passage to the round of 32.

“Now everybody is happy, and it’s normal,” Safonov said. “It was a very emotional game, a very tough game because our opponent played well today.

“We had a lot of moments, but we won, and I’m happy. I think at one moment I was lucky because my save was helped by the bar. In this moment, I thought I conceded a goal, but I was lucky. It was an emotional moment too.”