PSG, Brest, Dunkerque advance to French Cup last eight

PARIS: Paris Saint-Germain eased into the French Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday with a 2-0 win over Le Mans as Dunkerque shocked Lille on penalties and Brest earned a last-gasp 2-1 win over Troyes.

Defending champions and solid Ligue 1 leaders, PSG lined out with an overhauled side ahead of a busy February in which they are also through to the Champions League knockout phase play-off.

Desire Doue opened the scoring after 25 minutes after poor Le Mans defending before Bradley Barcola slotted in the second after 71 minutes. France international defender Presnel Kimpembe made his return after a two-year injury absence coming onto the pitch after 81 minutes.

Although winter recruit Khvicha Kvaratskhelia still needs time to adapt to Luis Enrique´s game, the Parisians lived up to their tag as favourites to lift their 16th French Cup trophy. PSG coach Luis Enrique said: “Our team is mature and has resources.

“I´m lucky to have this team with me. Gonçalo Ramos played a very good match, Bradley Barcola showed his usual flow.” “We have to give confidence to all the players, the level is increasing and is high.

“We have to give minutes of play to the players to gain confidence but I am not here to give them as a gift, we want to win all competitions, I really like this team,” he added. Ligue 1 side Lille lost a match that they dominiated largely due to squandered chances against Dunkerque, fourth in Ligue 2. Portuguese midfielder Andre Gomes had put Lille ahead after 85 minutes before Dutch striker Kay Tejan equalised after 96 minutes of play to force a penalty shootout.