Rennes win French Cup on penalties to shock PSG

Updated 27/04/2019 at 22:19 GMT

Coupe de France final, Stade de France – PSG 2 (Alves 13, Neymar 21) Rennes 2 (Kimpembe 40, Mexer 66). Rennes win 6-5 on penalties

Rennes' Czech goalkeeper Tomas Koubek celebrates after Paris Saint-Germain's French midfielder Christopher Nkunku failed to score during the penalty shout-out of the French Cup final football match between Rennes (SRFC) and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), on A

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Rennes beat Paris St-Germain 6-5 on penalties to win the Coupe de France after coming from two-down in normal time in a thrilling final.

Thomas Tuchel’s side were dominant for most of the first half and Neymar, making his first start since January following an injury lay-off, set up the opener from a corner for compatriot Dani Alves to rifle in a volley from outside the box.

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And the former Barcelona man marked his return with a memorable goal, running onto Angel Di Maria’s through ball to dink the ball over the onrushing Tomas Koubek.

Despite former PSG enfant terrible Hatem Ben Arfa having a quiet game, Rennes eventually got into their rhythm. M’Baye Niang rattled the woodwork and they reduced their deficit when Presnel Kimpembe turned in Hamari Traore’s cross into their own net.

The Bretons continued to show their mettle in the second period. Having forced Alphonse Areola into a stunning save from Benjamin Bourigeaud's strike, they got the equaliser from a corner with Edson Mexer heading it in.

Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian defender Dani Alves (L) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the French Cup final football match between Rennes (SRFC) and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), on April 27, 2019 at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis,

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That forced extra time with more drama as Kylian Mbappe was given his marching orders for a studs up challenge on the knee of Damien Da Silva.

In the shootout, the first in the competition’s final since 2007, it went down to sudden death with substitute Christopher Nkunku blazing his spot-kick over to break PSG hearts in Paris.

TALKING POINT

How did PSG lose this game?

The tag of big game chokers will not leave them after this performance. They were cruising at 2-0 up in the first half but took their foot off the gas and let Rennes back into the game. It was the underdogs who finished the game stronger and kept their composure in the shootout.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Clément Grenier (Rennes): The midfielder was at the centre of his side’s attacks and dominated the middle battle in the second half. It was his corner that led to Mexer’s header and he played the killer pass to perfection throughout. Grenier also kept his cool to score a penalty in the shootout.

Rennes' Mozambican defender Mexer celebrates after scoring a goal during the French Cup final football match between Rennes (SRFC) and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), on April 27, 2019 at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, outside Paris. (Photo by Anne-Christ

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PLAYER RATINGS:

PSG: Areola 6, Marquinhos 6,Kimpembe 4, Bernat 4, Dagba 6, Alves 8, Verratti 5, Draxler 5, Di Maria 6, Neymar 8, Mbappe 6. Subs: Paredes 6,Cavani 6, Diaby n/a, Nkunku n/a

RENNES: Koubek 5, Traore 7, Mexer 8, Da Silva 5, Bensebaini 7, Andre 5, Grenier 7, Bourigeaud 7, Sarr 7, Ben Arfa 5, Niang 7. Subs: Lea Siliki n/a

KEY MOMENTS:

13’ - GOAL FOR PSG! From a Neymar corner, Alves fires in a volley into the bottom corner from outside the box.

21’ - GOAL FOR NEYMAR! He's back! Di Maria with a through ball to the Brazilian who lofts the ball over the keeper from the edge of the box.

38’ - WOODWORK! Niang rattles the left post with shot from outside the box from Grenier's pass.

Saint-Germain's French forward Kylian Mbappe reacts as he receives a red card from referee Rudy Buquet during the French Cup final football match between Rennes (SRFC) and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), on April 27, 2019 at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis,

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40’ - OWN GOAL! Rennes pull one back after Kimpembe turns in Traore's cross after Bernat let him in too easily.

58’ - GREAT SAVE! From a corner, Bourigeaud's strike from outside the box is kept out by Areola.

66’ - GOAL FOR RENNES! From a corner, Grenier's delivery is headed in from close range by Mexer. It is 2-2!

99’ - TRIPLE CHANCE! Mbappe hits the post from close range. Cavani's effort from inside the box is then saved. A minute later, Bernat finds Neymar whose effort is saved.

119’ - RED CARD FOR MBAPPE! The striker is off for a studs up challenge on Da Silva.