Mbappe sent off as PSG lose French Cup final to Rennes

PARIS: Kylian Mbappe was sent off for a shocking tackle as Paris St Germain were stunned by Rennes in the French Cup final, losing 6-5 on penalties after a dramatic game finished 2-2 at the end of extra time.

PSG substitute Christopher Nkunku blazed his sudden-death spot-kick over the bar in the shootout, sparking scenes of joy among the Rennes fans at the Stade de France as they won a first trophy in almost half a century.

“It has been talked about enough at the club in the last few weeks for us to realise that we have achieved something historic,” said Rennes coach Julien Stephan.

It was a remarkable comeback from the Brittany side, who had seen Dani Alves and the returning Neymar give Ligue 1 champions PSG a 2-0 lead midway through the first half.

Thomas Tuchel’s side appeared poised to wrap up a domestic double, but Presnel Kimpembe’s own goal gave Rennes hope and Edson Mexer headed them level in the 66th minute to take a gripping final – attended by President Emmanuel Macron – to extra time.

Penalties were already looming when Mbappe, who endured a frustrating evening, was shown a straight red card in the 118th minute for a dreadful challenge on Damien Da Silva.

The France star caught the Rennes defender on the knee with his studs, and can expect a lengthy ban.

“He had a slight muscle injury yesterday, he stopped training early and went to hospital for tests. Maybe that was in his head,” said Tuchel.

“You got the feeling he was lacking confidence and didn’t feel free. The red card at the end, it’s not him.”

Without him, PSG fell short of securing the double in Tuchel’s first season in charge. — AFP