Paris Saint-Germain triumphed 7-0 against amateur team Pays de Cassel in the French Cup on Monday, setting up a round-of-16 match against arch-rival Marseille. Kylian Mbappé scored five goals, including a 12-minute hat trick in the first half. It was his first hat trick since France lost the World Cup final to Argentina on December 18. Mbappé now has 25 goals in 24 games this season and 196 total for PSG, four short of Edinson Cavani's club record. Mbappe made history by becoming the first PSG player to score five goals in a competitive match.
"We came here to show respect for this squad by performing at our best. That's exactly what we accomplished, and we're quite pleased "Mbappé stated. "It was a tremendous chance for them and also for us, because it's a reminder for us that we originate from amateur football and it's vital to retain this relationship. Even if it's for only one game." PSG coach Christophe Galtier maintained his word and fielded a strong team, including World Cup top scorers Mbappé and Neymar, while resting World Cup champion Lionel Messi for the encounter at Lens' home stadium.
Neymar remained unnoticed until he received a yellow card in the 26th minute for a harsh late challenge. Galtier was more frustrated with his underperforming squad after Mbappé placed record 14-time cup champions PSG ahead in the 29th minute from Nuno Mendes' cross. The audience booed Neymar when he scored PSG's second goal with a brilliant attempt in the 33rd minute, before Mbappé netted with a lob and a silky chipped finish. Mbappé scored his fourth goal in the 56th minute after a goalie error, then Neymar set up Carlos Soler midway through the second half and Mbappé scored from close range in the 78th. He nearly had a hat trick, but a late shot was stopped.
Marseille won the last of ten French Cups in 1989 and has lost three finals since, most recently to PSG in 2016. Lyon will play Lille in another all-first-division match on February 7-8. PSG will host Bayern Munich in the opening leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on February 14.
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