Paris Saint German faced Rennes in a French cup final after wrapping up their league title with a 3-1 victory over Monaco. Though the champions league debacle still weighs the team down, they felt lifting a domestic double would at least satisfy the demanding club management and fans. Yet, things didn't go as planned with Rennes and the French Cup.
Equalising a 2 - 0 win over the French giants and later on winning the game on penalty would be the best thing to have ever happen to Rennes in the recent years of football. Dani Alves opened the scoreboard with a phenomenal goal from a stunning strike from a superb volley from the outside box. Neymar doubled the lead eight minutes later after receiving a fine and instrumental assist from Di Maria. The Brazilian star lifts the ball past onrushing Koubek to make it two. Sad moment for Kimpembe just before half time as he helped his opponent reduce their goal deficit with an own goal from Traore's low cross. His outstretched foot changed trajectory as Areola was caught off-guard. Mexer(Rennes) took advantage of his opponent lackadaisical defence as he heads home an equalizer from Grenier's corner kick. The 2-2 draw led both teams into the thirty minutes extra half time.
The game became tensed and more frustrating for Tuchel's men as Kylian Mbappe was shown a straight red card after his leg breaking challenge on Da Silva two minutes to the end of the extra half. The tackle near Rennes corner flag was horrifying that the referee made a good call with the red card. Down to the penalties, after 11 conversions with Rennes on the lead, Nkunku became the man to miss as he shoots high oh of target and range. He denies PSG a fifth consecutive Coupe de France and thirteenth in total. Rennes lifts the cup for the third time since 1970/71.
The drama kept unfolding when the players match up to go collect their second place medal. Neymar was however caught in the middle of a heated up blast with a fan that ended up in a punch from the Brazilian. words has it that the supporter threw some insulting words to the player as he marched up to collect his runner up medal. Who wouldn't retaliate after a misfortune like that. Any word from you to the player can result to a quarrel/fight. It feels bad to see a trophy with you and some minutes later its off your grasp. Me in such situation wouldn't do less as the Brazilian did but for the sake of sportsmanship, he should have let it slide. Now, he has to face the disciplinary panel.
It was really a moan day for PSG, Mbappe gets a red card, Kimpembe scores an own goal, Nkunku misses the only penalty to send the team parking, Neymar punching a fan out of frustration, who knows what happened in the dressing room. What a day!!!
Word Of Encouragement
Sometimes in life, situations can be so cruel and mean. It feels bad to lose at some point in time and not when its more important. Nevertheless, we should learn to take life the way it drives us after our struggle.
Thanks For Reading...
Comments