Soccer-Mbappe sends PSG into French Cup final

Soccer Football - Coupe de France - Semi Final - Paris St Germain v Stade Rennes - Parc des Princes, Paris, France - April 3, 2024 Paris St Germain's Kylian Mbappe misses a penalty /Stephanie Lecocq

PARIS -Kylian Mbappe's strike propelled Paris St Germain into the French Cup final with a comfortable 1-0 win over Stade Rennais on Wednesday, taking them one step closer to a 15th trophy.

A dominant PSG looked set to take the lead early in the game but goalkeeper Steve Mandanda thwarted their attempts and saved a penalty from Mbappe in the 37th minute.

However, the 25-year-old striker opened the scoring three minutes later, latching on to a pass from Fabian Ruiz for his eighth goal of the tournament as the Parc des Princes erupted.

PSG will face Olympique Lyonnais in the cup final on May 25 after they beat 3-0 Valenciennes FC on Tuesday.

Rennes were desperate for an equaliser in the second half to force a penalty shootout but a Martin Terrier effort was the best they could muster, while Mandanda denied PSG a further advantage.

"It was a difficult first half but we completely dominated the game. Rennes were very good. We had a lot of pace in the first half and in the second half we had the chance to make it two but Mandanda was impressive," PSG boss Luis Enrique said.

"Cups in any country are particularly important and this has been one of our objectives since the start of the season."

PSG, who are top of the Ligue 1 standings, face Clermont Foot on Saturday and host Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday.

"Before we think about the Champions League, we have to think about Clermont. It's important for the team to perform at a high level in all competitions," Luis Enrique added.

"Playing against my former team (Barca) will be nice but I want us to be competitive and play a great game."

(Reporting by Angelica Medina in Mexico City; Editing by Clare Fallon)