Zlatan Ibrahimovic struck early and late on Tuesday to keep Paris Saint-Germain on course for a domestic double as the Ligue 1 leaders edged past Nantes 2-1 to reach the final of the French League Cup, the Coupe de la Ligue.
Ibrahimovic struck his first goal in this season’s competition to put PSG ahead after just five minutes at the Stade de la Beaujoire.
Olivier Veigneau responded with an equaliser nine minutes from the end but Ibrahimovic popped up with his second of the match, and 31st of the season, in the final minute to send the three-time winners through to April’s final at the Stade de France.
“It was a real cup tie, the script is often like that,” said PSG coach Laurent Blanc afterwards.
“In the first (period) we led 1-0. We had chances to double our lead but didn’t.
“In the second half Nantes applied more pressure, were more involved, created some chances and equalised.
“But in the last 10 minutes my team stepped up a gear.
“We’re in the final, that’s what we were looking for and we’ve done it.”
With PSG already eliminated from the Coupe de France, Blanc fielded a strong side that featured just three changes from the team that beat Bordeaux 2-0 on Friday evening.
Ezequiel Lavezzi was drafted in to replace the injured Edinson Cavani on the left of an attacking three, while Marco Verratti, back from suspension, was restored to his midfield duties at the expense of Javier Pastore.
Reserve goalkeeper and cup-specialist Nicolas Douchez came in for Salvatore Sirigu, but new recruit Yohan Cabaye was again only listed among the substitutes.
Having swept the two league encounters this season, including a 5-0 demolition at the Parc des Princes just over a fortnight ago, PSG almost struck first blood just four minutes in as Lavezzi hit the outside of the post following Blaise Matuidi’s burst into the box.
Heavy rain made for a slick playing surface at La Beaujoire and it played a factor just moments after that initial reprieve as a poor clearance from Nantes keeper Remy Riou gifted Ibrahimovic the opening goal.
Riou appeared to slip as he went to launch Issa Cissokho’s backpass upfield, succeeding only in sending the ball straight to Ibrahimovic with the Swede firing a first-time left-foot effort from 30 yards over the head of the unfortunate Nantes keeper.
Thiago Silva nearly added a second for the visitors inside the opening 15 minutes but Riou managed to divert the Brazilian’s fierce drive from a narrow angle away to safety.
Lavezzi then found himself in behind the Nantes backline but was thwarted by the legs of Riou on the half hour.
The hosts almost drew level from their first genuine opportunity as Papy Djilobodji rose to meet Vincent Bessat’s corner only for a perfectly placed Verratti to clear off the line with referee Laurent Duhamel waving away protests for a handball.
A fractious second half produced little in the way of goalmouth action until Veigneau netted an 81st-minute equaliser for Nantes as he slammed home substitute Georges-Kevin Nkoudou’s cross.
But with extra time beckoning the hosts were undone as Ibrahimovic escaped the attentions of Oswaldo Vizcarrondo to head in Lucas’ cross from the right on 90 minutes and punch PSG’s ticket to the Stade de France.
Awaiting PSG in the final will be the winners of Wednesday’s tie at the Stade de Gerland between Lyon and Ligue 2 outfit Troyes.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
MATCH INFO
Rugby World Cup (all times UAE)
Third-place play-off: New Zealand v Wales, Friday, 1pm
Jebel Ali Dragons 26 Bahrain 23
Dragons
Tries: Hayes, Richards, Cooper
Cons: Love
Pens: Love 3
Bahrain
Tries: Kenny, Crombie, Tantoh
Cons: Phillips
Pens: Phillips 2
The specs
Engine: 3.5-litre V6
Power: 272hp at 6,400rpm
Torque: 331Nm from 5,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.7L/100km
On sale: now
Price: Dh149,000
Tips to avoid getting scammed
1) Beware of cheques presented late on Thursday
2) Visit an RTA centre to change registration only after receiving payment
3) Be aware of people asking to test drive the car alone
4) Try not to close the sale at night
5) Don't be rushed into a sale
6) Call 901 if you see any suspicious behaviour
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
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RACE CARD
6.30pm Mazrat Al Ruwayah – Group 2 (PA) $36,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
7.05pm Handicap (TB) $68,000 (Turf) 2,410m
7.40pm Meydan Trophy – Conditions (TB) $50,000 (T) 1,900m
8.15pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 - Group 2 (TB) $293,000 (D) 1,900m
8.50pm Al Rashidiya – Group 2 (TB) $163,000 (T) 1,800m
9.25pm Handicap (TB) $65,000 (T) 1,000m
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The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylturbo
Transmission: seven-speed DSG automatic
Power: 242bhp
Torque: 370Nm
Price: Dh136,814
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