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Entente Feignies Aulnoye FC from Championnat National 3 (the French fifth tier) will take on defending Coupe de France champions Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 64 this Sunday at Valenciennes FC’s Stade du Hainaut with magic very much in the air despite Friday’s ugliness when Paris FC vs. Olympique Lyonnais was abandoned after 45 minutes due to another example of the crowd problems that French soccer is experiencing this season. That, however, should not take away from what is arguably the most exciting domestic cup competition in Europe.
“The chance to play against a team from a different league is fantastic,” said PSG head coach Mauricio Pochettino ahead of Sunday’s clash. “We will show respect by knowing how they play and analyzing their games ahead of what promises to be an enjoyable game.
“It is a special competition, and all clubs are excited to participate. Coming up against Feignies Aulnoye gives you the chance to share a special moment. As a foreigner, the Coupe de France is important as it is passionate and emotional. These are rewarding competitions to play in.
“There is always the risk of underestimating your opponent so we must show Feignies Aulnoye total respect. France creates many surprises, like in Spain and England, as the magic of the competition can make games complicated.”
Coupe de France’s history of upsets
Many will point to PSG’s six titles from the last possible seven as confirmation of the capital club’s dominance here, but it should be noted that there have still been five different winners since 2011 with Lille OSC, Lyon, Girondins de Bordeaux, EA Guingamp and Stade Rennais all triumphing.
PSG’s Qatari owners arrived at Parc des Princes in 2011, but it took until 2015 for Les Parisiens to reach the Coupe de France final and win the trophy for the first time under their current stewardship.
That year, the beaten finalists were the once mighty AJ Auxerre…
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Source : cbssports
