Paris St-Germain’s mixed season took another twist as Rennes stunned them on penalties to win their first French Cup since 1971.
Ligue 1 champions PSG, who had won the cup for the past four years, led 2-0 through a Dani Alves volley and chip from Neymar, starting his first game since January following a foot injury.
But Rennes levelled through a Presnel Kimpembe own goal and Mexer header. Kylian Mbappe was sent off for a bad foul in extra time, while Christopher Nkunku missed the decisive penalty.
PSG, who were looking for a fourth domestic double in five years, looked in complete control as they took a 2-0 lead within 21 minutes.
Alves hit a stunning volley from Neymar’s corner, before the forward lobbed goalkeeper Tomas Koubek from the edge of the box to double their lead.
0️⃣ – Neymar has never been on the field when #PSG have won a trophy. pic.twitter.com/Jd3Dwzmjms
— Robin Bairner (@RBairner) April 27, 2019
But the game was turned around when Kimpembe turned a cross into his own net and Mexer scored the equaliser.
Thomas Tuchel’s champions had a chance to win the game in extra time when Mbappe hit the post from close range.
And they had the 20-year-old sent off two minutes from the end after a dangerous foul on the side of Damien da Silva’s knee.
Kylian Mbappé has now been shown a straight red card in all three domestic competitions in France, all for PSG:
? Coupe de la Ligue
? Ligue 1
? Coupe de FranceNot the sort of hat-trick he should be looking to complete. pic.twitter.com/iyXOl8fIXZ
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) April 27, 2019
Just before the shootout, Nkunku, who has been linked with a move to Rennes this summer, replaced teenager Moussa Diaby – who had only been on the pitch for 15 minutes.
And after the first 11 players scored their penalties, the midfielder smashed a dreadful kick over the bar as mid-table Rennes won the cup for the third time in their history.
It was a first cup final defeat since 2011 for PSG, who had won five consecutive French League Cups before going out in the quarter-finals this year.
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