What Is 2019 Coupe de France final

Overview

The 2019 Coupe de France final was a historic showdown between Stade Rennais and Paris Saint-Germain, held on May 25, 2019, at Stade de France in Saint-Denis. After a dramatic 90 minutes and extra time, the match ended 2–2, leading to a penalty shootout that Rennes won 6–5, securing their first Coupe de France title in 48 years.

The final marked one of the most surprising upsets in French football history, as Rennes, a mid-table Ligue 1 side, defeated the dominant PSG, who had won the previous four Coupe de France finals. The victory was especially significant for Rennes, who had not lifted a major trophy since 1971.

• Rennes' last major trophy before 2019 was in 1971, ending a 48-year drought with this win.
• The match date was May 25, 2019, with a 21:00 CEST kickoff at Stade de France.
• Attendance reached 79,743, making it one of the best-attended domestic cup finals in France.
• Romain Alessandrini and Adrien Hunou scored for Rennes during the match.
• Kylian Mbappé and Thomas Meunier scored for PSG, with Mbappé opening the scoring in the 2nd minute.

Match Details and Key Moments

The 2019 final featured intense back-and-forth action, with both teams displaying high-level attacking football. Rennes twice came from behind, showcasing resilience against PSG’s star-studded lineup.

• Early PSG lead: Kylian Mbappé scored in the 2nd minute, capitalizing on a defensive error.
• Rennes equalized in the 11th minute through Romain Alessandrini, leveling the score early in the first half.
• PSG regained the lead in the 50th minute when Thomas Meunier converted a cross from Mbappé.
• Adrien Hunou scored in the 61st minute to tie the game 2–2, finishing off a well-worked team move.
• No goals in extra time despite chances from both sides, leading to a penalty shootout.
• Rennes won 6–5 in penalties, with goalkeeper Álvaro Barbet saving one spot-kick and scoring the decisive penalty.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key performance metrics and team statistics from the 2019 Coupe de France final:

The table highlights PSG’s dominance in possession and shot volume, but Rennes proved more clinical and resilient when it mattered. Despite being outpossessed, Rennes capitalized on key moments and held firm under pressure, ultimately prevailing in the shootout. The match exemplified how tactical discipline and mental strength can overcome statistical disadvantages in knockout football.

Why It Matters

The 2019 Coupe de France final was a landmark moment in French football, symbolizing the potential for underdog teams to triumph in cup competitions. Its significance extends beyond the trophy, influencing club legacies and national perceptions of competitive balance.

• Rennes’ victory ended a 48-year trophy drought, revitalizing the club’s identity and fanbase.
• PSG’s rare defeat in a domestic cup final exposed vulnerabilities despite their financial and talent advantage.
• Penalty shootout drama captivated over 5 million viewers in France, boosting Coupe de France viewership.
• Álvaro Barbet’s heroics as a goalkeeper scoring in the shootout became a national talking point.
• The win qualified Rennes for the 2019–20 UEFA Europa League group stage.
• Historic context: Only the second time since 1999 that PSG failed to win the Coupe de France in a final appearance.

This final remains a celebrated example of football’s unpredictability and the enduring appeal of cup competitions. For Rennes, it was not just a trophy, but a transformative moment in their modern history.