AS Monaco finally found some attacking verve to defeat Stade Rennais 3-1 and reach the quarter-finals of the French Cup on Wednesday, while Paris Saint-Germain geared up for their Champions League match against Chelsea with a 2-0 win over Nantes.
Early goals from Edinson Cavani and Yohan Cabaye ensured PSG’s progression in the competition as the French champions hit form ahead of hosting Chelsea in the last 16 of Europe’s top club competition.
Following a series of disappointing results either side of the Christmas break, Laurent Blanc’s side are now unbeaten in eight matches in all competitions. PSG have one more match to play this weekend in the French league against Caen before hosting the Blues for a second straight season.
Blanc rested Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva against Nantes, giving Cavani the main striker’s role. The Uruguayan repaid his coach’s faith with a strong performance capped by a header from David Luiz’s free-kick to break the deadlock in the 19th minute. Cabaye then made the most of goalkeeper Maxime Dupe’s poor clearance to double PSG’s lead from the edge of the box.
Monaco, who face Arsenal in the Champions League, have been struggling in front of goal this season, with Leonardo Jardim’s side scoring just 25 goals in 24 league games. However, after two consecutive losses in all competitions, Monaco were more efficient on Wednesday and quickly took control of the game, with goals from Almamy Toure and Wallace giving them a 2-0 lead after 11 minutes.
Rennes pulled one back courtesy of Pedro Henrique’s header in the 34th before striker Anthony Martial sealed Monaco’s win from the penalty spot in the second half after Swiss midfielder Gelson Fernandes fouled him in the area.
Monaco remain in the hunt for three trophies this season, while PSG can still hope for a historic quadruple.
Holders En Avant de Guingamp also progressed to the quarter-finals with a 3-1 win after extra time at fourth-division Yzeure.
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