Lyon, meanwhile, has pulled off an incredible feat by clinching an unexpected Europa League spot. They now have the chance to spoil Kylian Mbappe’s farewell to PSG. The 2023-24 season has been a rollercoaster for Lyon, who struggled early on and were even publicly criticized by their fans after a heavy defeat to PSG in September.
However, under the guidance of Pierre Sage, Lyon has turned their season around spectacularly. They went from relegation candidates to breaking into the top six, thanks to a four-game winning streak at the end of the campaign. Sage’s magic saw Lyon accumulate 40 points in the second half of the season, more than any other team in that period.
Lyon's impressive turnaround included victories over Monaco, Lille, Clermont, and Strasbourg. They narrowly edged out Lens for sixth place and secured a spot in the Europa League. In the Coupe de France, Lyon defeated Lille and Strasbourg among others, along with lower-league teams Pontarlier, Bergerac, and Valenciennes, to reach the final for the ninth time.
Lyon has won the Coupe de France five times, with their last two finals ending in victory. Their most recent triumph was in the 2011-12 season, with Lisandro Lopez scoring the decisive goal against Quevilly. If Lyon's recent league revival falls short in the final, PSG could end up with three times as many Coupe de France titles, having already won it 14 times.
PSG’s record in the Coupe de France is unmatched, with Marseille trailing as their closest competitor with 10 titles. However, PSG hasn't won the competition in nearly three years, last claiming the trophy in 2021 against Monaco. They dominated the Coupe de France for six out of seven seasons before that, with only a 2019 final loss to Rennes breaking their streak.
While the elusive Champions League trophy still evades PSG, they comfortably retained their Ligue 1 title this season. They ended their league campaign with back-to-back wins over Nice and Metz, the latter match ending a streak of 10 games without a clean sheet.
PSG also convincingly defeated Lyon 4-1 in both of their league meetings this season. However, their only previous Coupe de France final encounter with Lyon in 2008 ended in a 1-0 extra-time loss, with Sidney Govou scoring the decisive goal.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Despite earning a yellow card for his celebratory shirt removal after scoring a decisive penalty against Strasbourg, Alexandre Lacazette's one-game suspension will carry over to the start of next season. This means he’s available to lead Lyon's attack in the Coupe de France final on Saturday.Lacazette, who set up the winning goal in Lyon's 2012 final victory, is ready to spearhead the team 12 years later. With no new injuries following the final Ligue 1 match, manager Pierre Sage has a fully fit squad to choose from.
Sage’s only real decision is who will play in goal. First-choice keeper Anthony Lopes played the first two cup matches, but Lucas Perri has been in goal for the last three, including a crucial penalty save in the quarter-final against Strasbourg.
As for PSG, Kylian Mbappe, who is set to join Real Madrid, was absent from the squad against Metz, expected to be his farewell Ligue 1 appearance. However, he was reportedly rested as a precaution and will play in the final.
Other key players, including Gianluigi Donnarumma, Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, Ousmane Dembele, and Marquinhos, are expected to return for the final. Unfortunately, Lucas Hernandez (ACL), Sergio Rico (head injury), and Presnel Kimpembe (Achilles) are sidelined.
Mbappe isn’t the only PSG player departing soon; goalkeeper Keylor Navas has also announced his exit. However, he’s been out of action since the last-16 stage and has likely played his final game for PSG.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Lyon possible starting lineup:Lopes; Mata, O'Brien, Caleta-Car, Tagliafico; Caqueret, Matic, Tolisso; Cherki, Lacazette, Benrahma
Paris Saint-Germain possible starting lineup:
Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Beraldo, Mendes; Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Ruiz; Dembele, Ramos, Mbappe
EXPERT PREDICTION
Lyon 2-4 PSG
Nevertheless, with several key players well-rested and returning to the lineup, PSG is still the favorite to secure their 15th Coupe de France title. Kylian Mbappe will be looking to add one last medal to his collection before his move to Spain.
