Place and context of the final, the state of form of the two teams, the legendary 1982 final still in our memories … All about this PSG-Saint-Etienne which marks the return of French football after the Covid crisis. 19.
Where and under what conditions will the final take place?
For the great resumption of French football since the end of the Ligue 1 season in mid-March, the Coupe de France final is offered to football fans on Friday evening at 9:10 pm. A poster between Paris SG and Saint-Etienne, to follow at our colleagues from France 2 and also live commented on our site with the latest information unveiled by our special correspondent at the Stade de France, Christophe Remise. A unique match that will be played in front of 5,000 spectators and with consequent health constraints due to the coronavirus which is still raging in France.
Why doesn’t the final take place on Saturday night?
Reason may make you smile, but this Paris-SG-Saint-Etienne takes place on Friday because of the Fort Boyard program on Saturday. The legendary summer public service show, the filming of which was delayed for many weeks due to Covid-19, resumed its rights on Saturday evening. Faced with this programming, the management of France Télévisions, official broadcaster of the Coupe de France, asked the FFF if it was possible to postpone the final to Friday. A request accepted by the bosses of the French football federation. Usually on Saturday, the final of the Coupe de France will therefore take place this Friday evening this year.
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How are PSG and Saint-Etienne doing in the final?
With various states of form. On the one hand, PSG, favorite and most successful club in this competition (12 titles to their name), advance with the green lights. Difficult to be otherwise after three big wins in preparation (9-0 against Le Havre, 7-0 against Waasland-Beveren or 4-0 against Celtic Glasgow) and players in great shape like Neymar and Mbappé. For its part, Saint-Etienne approaches this meeting with more uncertainties (3 wins, 2 losses in friendly matches).
PSG’s 4-0 victory over Celtic last Tuesday
Who will be the big absentees on Friday night?
That the (thin) public of the Stade de France can be reassured, all the stars will be present on the lawn Friday evening. Neymar, Mbappé, Icardi or Di Maria and Verratti are expected on the side of PSG. Only Juan Bernat, injured, is announced absent on the Paris side. For the Greens, the situation is a little different with the absence of the young nugget, William Saliba (19), transferred to Arsenal for 30 million euros and who would have appreciated playing this final before joining the Gunners. In vain. Other absent at ASSE were Gabriel Silva, who had a left thigh and young Adil Aouchiche, 18, newcomer from… Paris SG and not qualified for the final.
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Why does the last PSG-Saint-Etienne final in 1982 remain legendary?
For a multitude of reasons. Because this is the first title in PSG history. Because Francis Borelli, legendary Parisian president, kissed the lawn of the Parc des Princes on the evening of the coronation. Because it was Michel Platini’s last game for the Greens before setting off for glory and titles at Juventus Turin. And also and above all because the scenario of the match was crazy. The opening of the score of Toko for the PSG (1-0), the equalization of Platini at 15 minutes of the final whistle (1-1), then the new goal of “Platoche” in overtime (1-2) and finally Rocheteau who snatches, at the end of the suspense, the shooting session on goal of a beautiful recovery of the right (2-2). The match was stopped due to the invasion of the field and a victory for the Parisians with a trophy passed on by François Mitterrand to captain Dominique Bathenay. Another era.