Key Takeaways:
- On Saturday, Paris FC secured a 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the French Cup Round of 32 at the Parc des Princes
- Jonathan Ikoné, a former PSG youth player, scored the decisive goal for Paris FC in the 74th minute
- PSG squandered numerous clear opportunities, with Obed Nkambadio producing several crucial saves for Paris FC
Historic Upset at Parc des Princes
The reigning French Cup champions, Paris Saint-Germain, suffered an unexpected exit from the tournament after falling 1-0 to city rivals Paris FC in the Round of 32. Playing on home soil at the Parc des Princes, PSG were undone by a solitary goal from Jonathan Ikoné, himself a product of the PSG academy. This result marks Paris FC’s first victory over their illustrious neighbours in an official fixture, creating a landmark moment in the club’s history.
PSG's hopes of a Coupe de France three-peat are over after a shock 1-0 home defeat to city rivals Paris FC 😟 pic.twitter.com/uyQm2PYWtc
— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 12, 2026
Team Selections and Line-ups
PSG manager Luis Enrique opted for a formidable starting XI, deploying Bradley Barcola, Gonçalo Ramos, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia upfront. The midfield trio consisted of Fabián Ruiz, Vitinha, and Seni Mayulu, while Lucas Chevalier took up his post in goal. Defensively, Warren Zaïre-Emery, Illia Zabarnyi, Lucas Beraldo, and Willian Pacho completed the back line.
Paris FC, meanwhile, lined up with Willem Geubbels as their lone striker, flanked by Alimani Gory and Mathieu Cafaro. The visitors’ midfield unit featured Noah Sangui, Tuomas Ollila, Adama Camara, and Maxime Lopez. Obed Nkambadio started between the sticks, with a defensive trio of Mamadou Mbow, Timothée Kolodziejczak, and Otavio providing cover at the back.
First-Half Analysis: Missed Opportunities
The action opened with Bradley Barcola firing an early warning shot for PSG, followed by Gonçalo Ramos narrowly missing out on connecting with a promising ball. Paris FC also threatened, but Lucas Chevalier managed to repel a fierce attempt from Alimani Gory. PSG’s Vitinha came close on 14 minutes, volleying just wide, and Obed Nkambadio was called into action throughout the half, denying efforts from both Ramos and Vitinha. Despite numerous dangerous forays, PSG were left frustrated in the opening 45 minutes, as the breakthrough proved elusive.
Second-Half Drama and Decisive Moment
Paris FC made multiple changes shortly after the restart, with Ilan Kebbal and Thibault De Smet coming on, while Jonathan Ikoné replaced the injured Gory. PSG’s pressure mounted, but they continued to be thwarted by Nkambadio, who excelled in goal. Luis Enrique turned to his bench in the 64th minute, introducing Ousmane Dembélé, Nuno Mendes, and Désiré Doué. Mendes immediately crafted a chance for Barcola, but the latter could not find the target, and Dembélé was similarly denied by the Paris FC keeper.
The game’s turning point arrived in the 74th minute, as Kebbal found Ikoné with a precise pass. The substitute slotted the ball past Chevalier, giving Paris FC the vital advantage. Notably, Ikoné refrained from an exuberant celebration out of respect for his boyhood club.
Late Pressure and Paris FC’s Resolute Defence
Trailing, PSG intensified their assault but continued to lack the killer touch. In the 87th minute, Zaïre-Emery struck the woodwork, epitomising their night of misfortune. Paris FC stood firm defensively, frequently disrupting PSG’s rhythm with tactical fouling. In the dying moments, Zabarnyi’s header missed the mark, and Doué’s subsequent effort drifted agonisingly wide. Nkambadio sealed his memorable performance with another key stop from Vitinha, confirming his status as Paris FC’s hero.
With this shock result, Paris FC progress to the next round, while PSG face an abrupt and humbling exit from this year’s French Cup.
