The Underdogs’ Remarkable Challenge: France’s Up-and-Comers Targeting LPSG

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Image caption: Fourth-tier Stade Briochin has already defeated Ligue 1 sides Nice and Le Havre on their way to the French Cup quarter-finals

Published 1 hour ago Paris Saint-Germain will find themselves in unfamiliar company when they face fourth-tier club Stade Briochin in Wednesday’s Coupe de France quarter-final. The Brittany outfit has made a remarkable journey, defeating higher-level opposition in each of their past three rounds and showcasing their potential on the big stage.

Stade Briochin’s victory against Ligue 1 side Nice was particularly notable, coming after fellow top-tier team Le Havre suffered the same fate earlier in December. Centre-back Hugo Boudin emerged as an unlikely hero for Stade Briochin, scoring an 88th-minute equaliser and then securing a win with a crucial goal in stoppage time.

Coach Guillaume Allanou has been instrumental in guiding Stade Briochin’s impressive journey so far. When the club faced folding altogether, he stepped in along with other former players to rescue it from financial ruin. He now wants his team to embrace this moment and make the most of their opportunity against PSG.

The match will be held at Roazhon Park, home of Ligue 1 side Rennes due to financial reasons, despite being located nearly an hour away from Saint-Brieuc in Brittany. Allanou hopes that filling the 30,000-seater stadium with fans can help create a festive atmosphere for his team.

With fearsome forwards Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola leading the way, PSG is currently one of Europe’s top teams. They have scored an impressive 94 goals in all competitions this season and are unbeaten at home so far.

Among Stade Briochin’s experienced players to call on include goalkeeper Franck L’Hostis, who has represented France U20s, as well as defensive midfielder Guillaume Beghin and centre-back Benjamin Angouna. Captain James Le Marer is retiring at the end of this season after a remarkable 13-year career with Stade Briochin.

Despite being favourites to win against PSG, Allanou believes it will be a match for the ages for his team’s captain, and he hopes that everyone can appreciate this moment together before Le Marer hangs up his boots. Whatever happens in their quarter-final clash on Wednesday, it is clear that Stade Briochin has already made an impact on French football during this remarkable journey.