Bradley Barcola scored two goals and set up another as Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) beat Reims 3-0 in the Coupe de France final on Saturday, before switching their focus back to the quest for a breakthrough continental title.
Barcola was assisted twice by Desire Doue and created a goal for right back Achraf Hakimi late in the first half.
The victory gave PSG a record-extending 16th Coupe de France – six more than next-best Marseille – and completed a domestic treble, having sealed a record-extending 13th Ligue 1 title in dominant fashion, and earlier lifted the Trophee des Champions.
The only trophy missing from the shelf of the cash-rich Qatari-backed club is the UEFA Champions League title.
That might change next Saturday.
Coach Luis Enrique’s side will attempt to win the Champions League for the first time when they face Inter Milan in Munich. PSG lost their only other final to Bayern Munich during the pandemic-shortened 2020 competition.
The Spanish bench boss is within sight of a second continental treble in a decade, after achieving his first with Lionel Messi-led Barcelona in 2015.
Reims were once France’s top club and reached the Champions League final twice – when it was known as the European Cup – losing both times to Real Madrid in the 1950s.
Saturday’s contest was a total mismatch, however, with the first half almost resembling a training session for PSG.
Doue sent Barcola clean through in the 16th minute with a superb angled pass from midfield, and the France winger finished neatly into the bottom left corner.
Three minutes later, Doue found space on the right and his quick pass gave Barcola an easy finish from close range.
Doue was only named to the starting lineup shortly before kickoff, after winger Khvitcha Kvaratskhelia reportedly pulled out with a serious headache.
With halftime approaching, Barcola whipped in a cross from the left, and Hakimi volleyed in neatly from close range.
PSG dropped off in the second half and created little except for an Ousmane Dembele effort that hit the crossbar. Their defense stifled Reims to ensure the victory, and now it’s off to Munich and the continued pursuit of a long-sought continental trophy.
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