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 regular time – Goncalo Ramos equalized four minutes after M'Bala Nzola's opener – Matvey Safonov saved two penalties and prevailed 4-3 on penalties.
Ramos became only the second player in PSG history to score in three consecutive Coupe de France matches when he started as a substitute, with Jacky Remond being the only other player to do so between October and November 1970.
PSG finished the match with an expected goals (xG) total of 1.74 from their 18 attempts, compared to Lens' 1.05 from their 12 attempts, and Luis Enrique was impressed with the way the team handled the match turned around.
“I think it was a very hard-fought match, difficult for both teams,” said Luis Enrique. “We carried the weight of the match.
“Maybe we lacked some physical freshness, but I think the team was always in the game, competitive and of course winning on penalties is also good for the morale of the team. Matvey Safonov was very good. He was very effective.
The year 2024 ends as it began! Progress with @coupedefrance! #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 is a great victory that allows us to spend Christmas with our families, to enjoy what awaits us in January, the matches that await us, and I am very pleased with the effort of the entire team.”
Safonov, who replaced the injured Gianluigi Donnarumma after suffering 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 everyone is happy, and it's normal,” Safonov said. “It was a very emotional match, a very tough match because our opponent played well today.
“We had many moments, but we won and I am happy. I think at one point I was lucky because my save was helped by the crossbar. At that moment I thought I was conceding a goal, but I had happiness.” It was also an emotional moment.”
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