Ibrahimovic keeps PSG on treble track

Swede international converts a late and controversial penalty to seal 2-1 victory over Toulouse

PARIS: A late and controversial penalty converted by Zlatan Ibrahimovic sealed a 2-1 come from behind win as Paris Saint-Germain edged past Toulouse in the French Cup on Tuesday.

Francois Moubandje had given Toulouse an 11th minute lead over a PSG missing several injured stars, but a David Luiz header from a corner on 54minutes and Ibrahimovic's 21st goal of the season two minutes from time kept Paris on course to defend their domestic treble.

But the big Swede's penalty was highly controversial as Leyvin Kurzawa threw himself theatrically to the ground in the box under minimal contact.



However, Ibrahimovic was emphatic with his spot-kick and Toulouse's hopes were dashed.

"If that happened at the other end, it wouldn't have been whistled," moaned Toulouse coach Dominique Arribage.

"It's difficult, when you referee Paris, to make the right decisions. I don't blame the referee."

PSG also won 1-0 at Toulouse thanks to an Ibrahimovic strike on Saturday to take a 21-point lead in Ligue 1 over second-placed Monaco.



And Toulouse must travel to Paris for yet another meeting with PSG in the League Cup semi-finals next week.

PSG are now set to embark on a run of eight matches in little over three weeks before hosting Chelsea in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on February 16.

"In the 88th minute I was a bit afraid we'd have to play extra-time," PSG coach Laurent Blanc said after the game.

"We have to get through this month of January, which is difficult with this crazy schedule."

Elsewhere, fourth division Sarre-Union caused the upset of the night by stunning second tier Niort 1-0.

Second division Sochaux and Bourg-en-Bresse turned over top flight opponents away from home, respectively 2-1 at Bastia and 3-1 at Rennes.

Meanwhile, Bordeaux won 2-1 at Angers while Corsicans Gazelec Ajaccio beat Guingamp 3-0.