It's a very special final which will kick off on Friday evening at 9:10 p.m. at the Stade de France. Firstly because this opposition between Olympique Lyonnais and PSG will mark the end of the 26th and last edition of a competition which had become too heavy in an already very busy schedule. Then because of the health protocol, with only 5,000 spectators in a stadium which can have 80,000. Finally, weather conditions will also play their part. It will indeed be 36 degrees at kickoff.
A factor all the more to take into account as this will be the first official match for Lyon since the deconfinement, and the second for Paris, a week after their victory in the Coupe de France against Saint-Etienne (1- 0). The players are therefore far from being 100% physically. "I think we will drink a lot of water," smiles Parisian midfielder Marco Verratti. "Of course it's a bit complicated, when you play at 36 degrees it's heavier, more difficult. But it will be the same for the Lyon players, so I don't think it will be anything. something that will influence the match ", wants to believe the Italian international.
Last European chance for Lyon
So much for the atmosphere. But the match will not be devoid of challenges. For Lyon, this is the shortest way to find Europe. A failure would deprive OL of a European Cup next season (except in the event of an improbable final victory in the Champions League), which would be a first for Jean-Michel Aulas' club for 23 years. And then Lyon also runs after a title since 2012, an eternity for the second budget of France.
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As for Paris, this is the opportunity for coach Thomas Tuchel to achieve his first national grand slam (Ligue 1, Coupe de France and Coupe de la Ligue), which would be perfect to address the main objective of the club, the League. des champions on August 12th. It will be necessary to do without Kylian Mbappé, but with Neymar who is announced holder at the Stade de France. The Brazilian, decisive scorer last Friday in the Coupe de France against Saint-Etienne, will be responsible for forgetting the package of the little genius of French football.