In an intense match against Rennes, Kylian Mbappe showcased his resilience and skill as Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secured a 1-0 victory to advance to the French Cup final. Although his first-half penalty was saved, Mbappe quickly made amends by scoring with a deflected shot shortly after.
PSG will now aim for their record-extending 15th French Cup trophy when they face Lyon, a fellow first-division rival, on May 25 in Lille. The upcoming final holds added significance for PSG, as Rennes had defeated them in the 2019 final, during which Mbappe was sent off in extra time for a harsh challenge.
During the first half of the match at Parc des Princes, Rennes appeared to be in control, while Mbappe had a relatively quiet game. However, the tides turned when Mbappe won a penalty, cutting into the area from the left flank. Despite his efforts, veteran goalkeeper Steve Mandanda made an impressive save, diving low to his right and deflecting the star’s spot-kιck in the 37th minute.
Undeterred, Mbappe swiftly rebounded. Just three minutes later, he capitalized on a long cоunterattack, unleashing a shot that deflected off a defender and caught Mandanda off guard as it found the bottom left corner of the net.
In the second half, Mandanda showcased his goalkeeping prowess once again, making a smart save from Mbappe, his French national teammate. However, Rennes struggled to create enough opportunities in аttаck to truly threаten Gianluigi Donnarumma, PSG’s goalkeeper.
Under the guidance of coach Luis Enrique, PSG remаins on track for a potential treble. They currently lead the French league by a comfortable 12-point margin with only seven rounds remaining. Additionally, they are set to face Enrique’s former club, Barcelona, in the quarterfinals of the Champions League, with the first leg taking place in Paris next Wednesday.
Overall, PSG’s victory over Rennes highlights Mbappe’s ability to turn the tide of a match and contribute to his team’s success. As they continue their pursuit of multiple titles, PSG will rely on Mbappe’s talent and determination to help them achieve their ambitions.