Softfootball understands that Paris Saint-Germain kick off their Coupe de France title defence on Saturday night following their recent sextuple win a couple of days ago, with a trip to Nantes, where they will face fifth-tier outfit Fontenay at Stade de la Beaujoire.
The holders come into the competition after lifting the trophy for a record 16th time last season, brushing aside Reims 3-0 in the final, and once again start as heavy favourites.
PSG’s head coach, Luis Enrique, spoke ahead of the game via their official X account.
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Fontenay, however, has already made headlines in this year’s edition, knocking out Châteauroux 4-1 in the fourth round. Now, they step into what many around the club are calling the biggest game they’ve ever played.
There is no doubt this is a massive night for Fontenay. Loïc Lambert’s side will try to pull off the impossible against the reigning Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Champions League winners, Paris Saint-Germain. who have had a bit of everything in this competition so far, with some convincing wins mixed in with tight games decided on penalties.
Two of their last three Coupe de France matches ended in emphatic fashion, with a combined scoreline of 9-1, yet they have also shown signs of nerves, squeezing through on spot-kicks in two other ties. At home, they’ve conceded just one goal in the tournament, although their recent league form has been a little shaky, especially at the back.
PSG’s journey toward a third straight Coupe de France crown begins fresh off global success. Earlier this week in Qatar, they edged Flamengo on penalties to win the Intercontinental Cup after a 1-1 draw.
Luis Enrique’s men are unbeaten in four matches across all competitions, although they will end the calendar year second in Ligue 1, just a point behind Lens.
The Parisians have been ruthless in this competition in recent years, winning their last 12 Coupe de France matches. Their last round-of-64 exit came way back in 1990, and they’ve also won nine straight away ties in the tournament since a loss to Marseille in 2023.
Team News
Fontenay made only one adjustment between the third and fourth rounds, as Nathan Fromaget stepped into the defense in place of Kerian Ernault. Fodé Diawara was the standout performer against Châteauroux, scoring twice, while Enzo Renou and Mehdi Belbachir also got on the scoresheet in that comeback win.
PSG will travel without Achraf Hakimi, the current CAF African Player of the Year, who is still sidelined due to an ankle problem. Ousmane Dembélé has shaken off his illness and featured off the bench against Flamengo.
Possible Lineups
Fontenay:
N. Renou; Ernault, Moisdon, Leriche; Bremond, Vinet, Belbachir, Bisleau; Keita, Millimono, Diawara
Paris Saint-Germain:
Safonov; Zaïre-Emery, Kamara, Zabarnyi, Beraldo; Neves; Mayulu, Ruiz; Mbaye, Ramos, Ndjantou
Softfootball’s Prediction
Even if Enrique decides to rotate heavily, it’s hard to see anything other than a comfortable night for the champions. Fontenay may show spirit early on, but PSG’s quality across the pitch should eventually tell, and probably by a wide margin.
Prediction: Fontenay 0-3 Paris Saint-Germain
