PSG: a qualifying without trembling, a return that feels good

Paris Saint-Germain has enforced the hierarchy. Seriously, applied, without ever trembling, the capital's club won 2-0 against Le Mans, winning its ticket for the quarter-finals of the Coupe de France. A mastered success, built on an obvious technical superiority and concluded with a symbolic return: that of Presnel Kimpembe, who replayed after more than two years of absence.

PSG in his hand, the helpless Le Mans

Le Mans believed there for a moment. Not coming to park the bus, the national team played their luck, posing some chills on the Parisian defense. But the feat required surgical accuracy in key moments, and that's where everything was played.

PSG did not even need to push to take the lead. In the 25th minute, a suicidal recovery of the defense Mancelle landed in the feet of Désiré Doué. The old Rennais is not asked: control, shot placed, 1-0 for Paris. Too easy.

A gift then a lightning

The Le Mans, however, refuses to abdicate. At the 40th, on a hazardous outing by Matvey Safonov, the former Marseillais Antoine Rabillard inherits a gold opportunity. His cross -headed head flees the frame. The equalization was there, within reach. In the 61st, the Belgian Vincent Burlet once again alerts the Russian porter, vigilant this time. But time was rushing down, and Paris remained impassive.

In the 71st minute, the match changes definitively. Having entered three minutes earlier, Bradley Barcola swallows the left corridor, deposits his opposite and adjusts the small opposite net of a silky foot. 2-0, curtain. PSG will only need acceleration to seal its destiny.

Kimpembe, 709 days after

The big thrill of the evening did not come from the score, nor the suspense. It appeared in the 80th minute, in the form of a number 13 advancing towards the key line. 709 days after his last match, Presnel Kimpembe again crowds a lawn, to the applause fed by the public. A strong image, that of a man who returns from afar.

The evening was perfect for the Ile -de -France residents, especially since Safonov interposed on a last volley by Dame Gueye (91st). From a firm cuff, the Russian preserves the clean Sheet, a perfect symbol of an applied PSG, but never forced his talent.

Mission accomplished, therefore, for Luis Enrique and his men. Qualified without incident, without injured, with a few stunned automatisms and a return which is more than a victory. Failing to have vibrated, Paris leaves from Le Mans with the feeling of accomplished duty.