Paris Saint-Germain exited the Coupe de France in dramatic fashion as Paris FC stole a 1-0 derby win at the Parc des Princes in the round of 32. The holders
dominated for long spells on Monday, yet Jonathan Ikone struck in the 74th minute to send the neighbours through.
The statistics showed a clear imbalance. Paris Saint-Germain fired 25 shots, including seven on target, and struck the frame of the goal while reaching 1.7 expected goals. Paris FC produced only four attempts, with two on target and 0.5 expected goals, but converted the decisive opportunity to punish the favourites.
This defeat marked a rare Coupe de France setback for Paris Saint-Germain. It was only the second time in the last 20 years that Paris Saint-Germain failed to progress to the round of 16. Montpellier had been the last team to eliminate them before that stage, doing so in 2014.
Despite the result, Luis Enrique insisted the display matched his tactical plan and intensity demands. The coach felt Paris Saint-Germain controlled territory and rhythm, created enough chances and limited Paris FC effectively. Luis Enrique argued that the outcome highlighted football’s dependence on efficiency in both penalty areas rather than general control.
"I think it's pretty easy to dissect the game," Luis Enrique said. "We played a complete game. We played brilliantly; we did everything right. We deserved to win, for sure. But this is a sport where goals decide everything. They scored; we didn't. That's football for you. Nevertheless, I'm really proud of the teamboth as a whole and individually. The result? It hurts. It feels unfair. But we have to swallow it. I wish Paris FC the best of luck in the future. To be honest, I'm happy with what I saw on the pitch. "
Paris Saint-Germain’s attacking volume underlined Luis Enrique’s view of the match. The holders continually pushed Paris FC back, especially after half-time, and struck the woodwork during a long spell of pressure. However, Paris FC stayed compact, survived those moments and then capitalised when Ikone finished the decisive move inside the final 20 minutes.
The upset followed a very different experience for Luis Enrique in the Trophee des Champions. In his previous match, Paris Saint-Germain produced a late comeback against Marseille, scoring a 95th-minute equaliser before winning on penalties. That performance had strengthened belief in the squad’s resilience and attacking depth under the Spanish coach.
Even with the Coupe de France campaign over and the chance of a record-extending 17th title gone, Luis Enrique did not treat the loss as a structural warning sign. Instead, Luis Enrique focused on technical and tactical positives, stressing that the team applied instructions well and generated enough chances to win on most nights.
"If you just look at the scoreboard, of course, it can look worrying," he admitted. "But watching that game? We were so far ahead. Football can be so cruel. You have to learn to accept victory, even when it seems strange. This result is certainly strange. There's always something to take away, even from failure. Of course, that wasn't our goal. We love this competition. But it's what we've got. If I lose the match, I'd prefer it to be like thatto give it my all. "
Paris Saint-Germain now continue their season without domestic cup involvement but with clear reference points from this defeat. Luis Enrique emphasised pride in the collective effort while acknowledging the pain of an early exit. The match underlined how slim margins can overturn dominance, even for teams with Paris Saint-Germain’s resources and ambitions.
