Paris, Feb 5 (V7N) — Paris Saint-Germain secured their spot in the French Cup quarter-finals with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Le Mans on Tuesday, while lower-tier side Dunkerque pulled off a stunning upset against Lille in a dramatic penalty shootout. Brest also advanced with a last-minute winner against Troyes.

Despite resting several key players ahead of a crucial February schedule, defending champions PSG controlled proceedings against third-tier Le Mans.

Désiré Doué capitalized on defensive lapses to open the scoring in the 25th minute, before Bradley Barcola doubled the lead in the 71st. France international defender Presnel Kimpembe also made his long-awaited return, coming on for the final 10 minutes after a two-year injury layoff.

Coach Luis Enrique praised his squad’s depth:

"Our team is mature and has resources. I'm lucky to have this team with me. Gonçalo Ramos played a very good match, Bradley Barcola showed his usual flow."

With winter signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia still adapting to Enrique’s tactical demands, PSG remain favorites to claim their 16th French Cup title.

Dunkerque Shock Lille in Penalty Shootout

In the night’s biggest surprise, Ligue 2 strugglers Dunkerque stunned top-flight Lille on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

Lille appeared to have sealed victory when André Gomes struck in the 85th minute, but Dutch striker Kay Tejan’s dramatic equalizer in the 96th forced a shootout.

Dunkerque goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen emerged as the hero, making crucial saves as his side triumphed 5-4 on penalties to book a historic quarter-final place.

Brest Snatch Late Winner Against Troyes

Ligue 1 side Brest also advanced in thrilling fashion, clinching a 2-1 victory over Troyes.

Ibrahim Salah’s 49th-minute opener was canceled out by an own goal from Hugo Magnetti just six minutes later. However, Abdallah Sima delivered a stunning free-kick in stoppage time to send Brest through.

The Brittany club now turn their attention to next week’s Champions League clash against PSG, having suffered a 5-2 defeat to the Parisian giants in Ligue 1 last weekend.

With the quarter-finals set, PSG remain the team to beat as they balance domestic and European ambitions.