The stage for the Coupe de France is set as a resurgent Lyon take on Ligue 1 champions PSG, with both sides keen to reign supreme.
It has been a strange season for Lyon and their fans as they introspect ahead of the Coupe de France final against PSG. They were miserable in the first half of the season but came to the party in the second period. Les Gones have performed admirably this time to make themselves big and into the Coupe de France Final.
Pierre Sage has done an admirable job at the helm and has helped his team rise to a sixth-placed finish, something not many people expected out of them this season, thus making it to next season’s Europa League.
Some may question Lyon’s run to the final, as they did face three lower league clubs en route to the big game. However, they will feel the pressure coming into this one as they take on the Ligue 1 Champions PSG.
Luis Enrique might still be reeling from the Champions League exit he so desperately did not want his side to suffer. But he can still finish the season with a domestic double. The game will also be Kylian Mbappe’s last in a PSG shirt, as the French superstar has officially announced his departure from the club.
Should they win this final against Lyon, PSG will have three times the amount of Coupe de France titles compared to their fellow finalists Lyon, with all eyes on the 14th such crown.
They are also desperate to end a dreadful run of three seasons without this particular trophy, having last won this crown back in 2021. In fact, PSG have triumphed in six of their last seven final appearances in this competition, and Enrique will undoubtedly hope to find another one to add to the club’s trophy cabinet.
Team News & Tactics
Lyon
There were some concerns within the Lyon fanbase about forward Alexandre Lacazette, who picked up a yellow card against RC Strasbourg after taking off his shirt in celebrations of scoring the decisive penalty in injury time.
While that caution meant he might miss the final through a suspension, it has been confirmed that the striker will instead miss the first game of next season. This means the former Arsenal captain will lead the line for Lyon against PSG.
Pierre Sage’s only major selection headache would be choosing his first-choice keeper, Lucas Perri, who has been brilliant in the last three cup games, including saving a penalty in the decisive shootout against Strasbourg. Beyond that, the team might pick itself up, with Rayan Cherki, Corentin Tolisso, Said Benrahma, and Nemanja Matic all set to start in this grand finale.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Perri; Mata, O’Brien, Caleta-Car, Tagliafico; Caqueret, Matic, Tolisso; Cherki, Lacazette, Benrahma
PSG
The big story will revolve around Kylian Mbappe and his final game for PSG, as he leaves the club after this season ends. PSG does have a few injury problems ahead of this final, with Lucas Hernandez, Sergio Rico, and Presnel Kimpembe all set to miss out.
Beyond that, some key first-teamers are set to return to the setup, with Marquinhos, Ousmane Dembele, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz, and keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma all set to feature. Luis Enrique might also contemplate starting Keylor Navas in goal instead after the Costa Rican also announced his exit from the club alongside Mbappe.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Beraldo, Mendes; Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Ruiz; Dembele, Ramos, Mbappe
Key Stats
- Lyon have won their last two Coupe de France final appearances, with the last victory coming back in 2012.
- Incidentally, Alexandre Lacazette provided the assist for Lisandro Lopez’s winner then.
- Lyon have won the Coupe de France five times in their history.
- PSG have won six of their last seven Coupe de France Final appearances.
- PSG could add a 15th Coupe de France title should they defeat Lyon in the Final.
Player to Watch
Kylian Mbappe
The entire focus during this final will be on the strikers on either side, but none more than Mbappe. The France captain will finally leave PSG in the summer after making the announcement official, meaning this will be the last time he will play for the club.
Fans and Mbappe himself would want this game to end in triumph, and there is no better way to bid goodbye than a goal and a trophy. Hence, it is a big clash for the striker, and he will be under emotional pressure to perform and triumph.
Prediction
Lyon 1-2 PSG
Lyon have been sensational throughout 2024 and thoroughly deserve their place in the Final, although they might find out the severity of the test against PSG. Led by Alexandre Lacazette, Lyon has every chance to make this game count, but Enrique might have other plans.
PSG certainly have the quality and depth to trouble a side like Lyon, although this game promises to be entertaining for the neutrals. The Parisians are the favourites to nick the cup with a narrow scoreline, but Lyon will give them a fair fight.