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PSG vs. Toulouse: Winners and Losers from French Cup

Andrew Gibney

It took an 89th-minute penalty from Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but with a 2-1 victory, Paris Saint-Germain knocked Toulouse FC out of the Coupe de France on Tuesday night.

Laurent Blanc made a few key changes, playing without Thiago Silva, Marquinhos and Javier Pastore, but the starting XI still featured six full internationals. An indication of PSG’s strength and depth.

The home side were shocked when Toulouse took the lead through Francois Moubandje, but second-half goals from David Luiz and Ibrahimovic helped the Parisians seal their place in the last 16 of the French Cup.

Toulouse now have one last chance to knock PSG out of a competition this season when they meet again in the semi-final of the Coupe de la Ligue on January 27.

Here are the winners and losers from PSG’s 2-1 cup victory over Toulouse.

Winner and Loser: David Luiz

MARTIN BUREAU/Getty Images

It's hard to pick David Luiz for just one category in this match, especially with the sort of performance he put in on Tuesday.

Defensively, without Thiago Silva by his side, he was all over the place. Not exactly the type of partner young Presnel Kimpembe was hoping for.

The Brazilian was all at sea as Toulouse took the lead, nowhere to be seen as Adrien Regattin raced into the box.

However, all is forgiven in the second half as his towering header, which can be seen here, levelled the scores and helped PSG to victory.

Winner: Francois Moubandje

Moubandje celebrates the opening goal. KENZO TRIBOUILLARD/Getty Images

Swiss full-back Francois Moubandje hasn't enjoyed the best campaign at Toulouse this season.

He has only started six league games and was recently linked with a move away, per L’Equipe (in French), but playing on the left of TFC's 5-4-1, he showed what he is capable of. Bombing forward when the opportunity arose, his run, pass and finish for the opening goal were exceptional, which can be seen here.

The 25-year-old nearly made it two in the second half, his right-foot effort forcing Salvatore Sirigu into a tremendous save.

If he can play like that consistently, he'll have no problems finding minutes this season.

Loser: Ezequiel Lavezzi

Another poor performance from Lavezzi. KENZO TRIBOUILLARD/Getty Images

The Argentine winger was given a chance to start and impress in Tuesday's Coupe de France fixture, but it was another disappointing showing from Ezequiel Lavezzi.

It's no surprise that he is used sparingly in the league, even with PSG's dominance, brought off on 63 minutes, the former Napoli man did nothing of note.

Winner: Hervin Ongenda

Ongenda impressed in a rare appearance. Christian Hofer/Getty Images

In comparison to Lavezzi's performance, Hervin Ongenda also came off with 27 minutes to go, but he will be happy with his contribution.

Linked with a loan move away from Paris, via Le Parisien (h/t Get French Football News) if you were watching this game to make a decision on the youngster, you would have been impressed.

Ongenda showed a desire to push the ball forward from the midfield and an eagerness to try to create chances on the break—more than can be said of his Argentine team mate.

Winner: Mauro Goicoechea

Goicoechea was impressive on Tuesday night. KENZO TRIBOUILLARD/Getty Images

Signed in the summer, the Uruguayan was expected to become Le Tefece's No.1 this season.

After eight starts, he is now the second choice behind the 16-year-old Alban Lafont, but he did himself no harm on Tuesday.

In the first half especially, Mauro Goicoechea made a number of very good saves, denying PSG an early equaliser.

Tipping away Angel Di Maria's cross stopped David Luiz heading in at the back post, then he stopped the Brazilian's free-kick and Layvin Kurzawa's long-range effort.

He will be disappointed to concede twice, there was little he could do for either goal.

Loser: Uros Spajic

One mistake from Spajic cost Toulouse dearly. MARTIN BUREAU/Getty Images

For most of the game, Uros Spajic put in a brave defensive effort. Time after time his last-ditch lunges helped clear the ball and stave off PSG's advances. It lasted 88 minutes.

Just one mistake cost his side dearly. Kurzawa was running away from goal when the Serbian left his foot in, the left-back went to ground—perhaps theatrically—and the referee pointed to the spot.

It was a terrible decision from the defender, if he had held his ground and let Kurzawa go, the danger could have been cleared. His mistake gave Ibrahimovic the chance to score the winner, the Swede duly obliged.

One mistake after a great performance, that's all it takes against the cup holders.

   

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