Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secured a resounding 3-0 victory over Reims in the French Cup final, completing a domestic treble and setting the stage for their highly anticipated Champions League final clash against Inter Milan. Bradley Barcola emerged as the star of the match, netting two goals in quick succession early in the first half to effectively seal the win for PSG. Achraf Hakimi added a third goal before halftime, further solidifying PSG’s dominance. The comfortable victory provided the perfect preparation for PSG as they aim to claim their first-ever Champions League title.
The French Cup triumph marked PSG’s second consecutive domestic treble under manager Luis Enrique, having also secured the Ligue 1 title and the Champions Trophy earlier in the season. The victory at the Stade de France, witnessed by over 77,000 spectators, extended PSG’s record number of French Cup titles to 16, eight of which have been achieved in the last decade. The win further cemented PSG’s status as the dominant force in French football and highlighted the team’s exceptional form heading into the Champions League final.
Barcola’s two goals in the 16th and 19th minutes showcased the young forward’s clinical finishing ability and his growing importance to the PSG attack. His first goal came courtesy of a well-placed through-ball from Desire Doue, while his second was a simple tap-in after Doue latched onto a pass from Marquinhos and squared the ball across the face of goal. Barcola’s brace brought his season tally to an impressive 21 goals, second only to Ousmane Dembele’s 33 goals in the PSG squad. Hakimi’s goal just before halftime, a composed finish from a Barcola cross, further emphasized PSG’s attacking prowess.
Reims, appearing in their first French Cup final since 1977, struggled to contain PSG’s relentless attacking pressure. Their already challenging season, which saw them finish in the Ligue 1 relegation play-off spot, was further complicated by the crucial two-legged tie against Metz that they must win to secure their place in the top flight for next season. The first leg of the tie ended in a 1-1 draw, adding further pressure on Reims as they prepared for the return match. The French Cup final proved to be a bridge too far for the struggling side, as they were outclassed by a PSG team brimming with confidence and determined to secure another trophy.
While the victory was a cause for celebration for PSG, there was a minor concern surrounding the late withdrawal of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from the starting lineup. The Georgian winger was replaced by Doue after reporting feeling unwell during the warm-up. Manager Luis Enrique downplayed the situation, insisting that Kvaratskhelia’s withdrawal was a precautionary measure and that he would be fit to train in preparation for the Champions League final. The incident, though minor, underscored the importance of squad depth and player fitness as PSG approached the crucial final match of the season.
PSG’s dominance in the French Cup final was reflected in their ability to control the tempo of the game and create numerous scoring opportunities. Despite making several substitutions in the second half, including giving Matfey Safonov a start in goal ahead of Gianluigi Donnarumma, PSG continued to threaten the Reims defense. Barcola was denied a hat-trick by a fine save from Reims goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf, who also managed to divert a Dembele cross-cum-shot onto the post. The comfortable victory allowed PSG to rest key players and manage their workload ahead of the Champions League final, while also providing a significant confidence boost. With the French Cup secured, PSG now turn their full attention to the ultimate prize – the Champions League trophy. Their victory against Reims serves as a testament to their strength and determination, and they will be hoping to carry this momentum into the final against Inter Milan.
