Pauleta pushes PSG through

An impressive display from Paris Saint-Germain FC forward Pauleta helped his side into the semi-finals of the French Cup with a 2-1 victory at ESA Brive.

Dream ends
The Portuguese striker scored PSG's first goal and created the winner for Reinaldo as the capital club ended the hopes of the fourth division side, who had knocked out holders AJ Auxerre in the previous round.

Shock lead
The amateur side took the lead in the 16th minute, as PSG goalkeeper Lionel Létizi failed to deal with a free-kick from François Certain and Thomas Forest was on hand to give the lower-league outfit an unexpected advantage.

PSG turnaround
The lead lasted only 12 minutes, however, as Pauleta headed a Bruno Mendy cross into the net to bring PSG level. The visitors sealed their semi-final berth on the hour with a swift counterattack, Pauleta finding Reinaldo before the Brazilian forward dribbled past Brive goalkeeper
Jean-Christophe Colard and rolled the ball into an empty net.

Late winner
In tonight's first quarter-final, a late goal from Sébastien Heitzmann proved enough for third division side Dijon FCO to win at second division Amiens SC. The striker scored the only goal of the game three minutes from time in front of 8,000 spectators.

Wednesday games
The remaining two quarter-finals will be played on Wednesday night, with Ligue 1 leaders AS Monaco FC playing second division side LB Châteauroux, and FC Nantes Atlantique meeting Stade Rennais FC.