PSG stunned by Paris FC as Coupe de France dream ends
Paris Saint-Germain’s hopes of completing a historic back to back treble came to a sudden halt on Monday night after a shock 1-0 defeat to Paris FC sent the reigning champions crashing out of the Coupe de France.
The result delivered one of the biggest upsets of the French season, with a Ligue 2 side eliminating the country’s most dominant force despite PSG controlling large periods of the match. Luis Enrique’s team monopolised possession, created chances in volume, but paid the ultimate price for a lack of cutting edge in front of goal.
The decisive moment came against the run of play, as Paris FC capitalised on one of their few meaningful attacks to silence the Parc des Princes. PSG pushed relentlessly for an equaliser, yet wave after wave of pressure failed to break down a disciplined and determined defensive display.
The elimination carries significant weight for the Parisian club. Having swept all major domestic honours last season, PSG entered this campaign chasing another clean sweep. That ambition has now evaporated, leaving Ligue 1 and the Champions League as their remaining targets during an increasingly demanding schedule.
Despite the scale of the setback, Luis Enrique refused to criticise his players. The PSG manager insisted the performance merited a very different outcome and described the result as an anomaly rather than a warning sign.
The atmosphere reflected the shock unfolding on the pitch. PSG dominated the early exchanges, circulating the ball with confidence and pinning Paris FC deep in their own half. Midfield control was clear, with repeated entries into the final third, but the lack of sharp movement inside the box allowed the visitors to survive sustained pressure.
Key incidents began to stack up as frustration grew. PSG forced a series of saves, saw promising situations smothered by last-ditch defending, and appealed unsuccessfully for decisions as Paris FC slowed the tempo whenever possible. The referee’s tolerance of stoppages only heightened tensions among the home players.
The goal that settled the contest arrived as a brutal reminder of cup football’s unforgiving nature. Paris FC seized a rare opening, punishing a momentary lapse to score against the flow of the game and immediately retreat into a compact defensive shape.
The second half followed a familiar pattern. PSG increased the tempo, introduced fresh attacking options, and committed more numbers forward. Chances continued to arrive, but composure deserted them at decisive moments, while Paris FC defended their penalty area with total commitment.
Late drama unfolded as PSG threw everything forward in the closing minutes. Crosses flew in, shots were blocked, and tempers flared as time ebbed away. Goncalo Ramos, leading the line, grew visibly frustrated and later criticised what he viewed as excessive disruption and negative tactics from the opposition.
When the final whistle sounded, the magnitude of the upset was unmistakable. For PSG, attention now shifts immediately to protecting their Ligue 1 crown and navigating a high-stakes Champions League campaign. For Paris FC, the night will be remembered as one of the most famous victories in their history, a reminder that in the Coupe de France, dominance guarantees nothing.