PSG thankful for Rothen luck

Breathless finale
A breathtaking finale at Stade de France saw Bernard Mendy convert from the penalty spot in added time to give PSG a 2-1 win over relegation rivals RC Lens after Eric Carrière had cancelled out Pauleta's first-half opener for the Parisian side. The capital club had previously won the competition in 1994 and 1998, and having been on the winning side as a player on the latter occasion, Paul Le Guen became the first person to lift the trophy as both a player and a coach.

Le Guen sanguine
Winger Rothen believes his side "finally have something to celebrate" in the midst of a grim season, but with PSG second from bottom in Ligue 1 after Sunday's results, Le Guen was in no mood for a party. "Given our situation in the league, we cannot enjoy this win like we did the others," he said. "The fans were happy and I'm pleased for everyone at the club. We were luckier than we have been on other occasions so let's hope that trend continues."

Next challenge
Two points adrift of Ligue 1 safety, but still in contention at the last-16 stage of the French Cup, PSG host 16th-placed RC Strasbourg on Wednesday as they bid to avoid the relegation for the first time in the 38 years since their formation. "We don't really have time to celebrate," said defender Grégory Bourillon. "With the Strasbourg game coming we just need to refocus and take confidence from this game."