A Zlatan Ibrahimovic hat-trick fired Paris Saint-Germain to a 4-1 French Cup semi-final victory over Saint-Etienne at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday as their epic quest for a four-trophy sweep continued apace. Ibrahimovic's opener from the penalty spot on the 21st minute was his 100th goal for the club, he then rounded the 'keeper on 81 for the second, and completed his hat-trick with a fine run and shot in injury-time.
But an injury-depleted Paris had to fight for long periods of this gutsy Cup tie as Saint-Etienne drew level with a Romain Hamouma header, going in 1-1 at half-time before an Ezequiel Lavezzi header put PSG back ahead on 60.
Saint-Etienne coach Christophe Galtier praised Swede Ibrahimovic as "the greatest foreigner to have played in France" as he lamented his side's inability to match PSG's pounding artillery.
PSG have scored 11 times against Saint-Etienne in four matches this season of which eight have come off Ibrahimovic's boot.
"There's nothing to say, at this level they are unbeatable, in any case for us," said Galtier.
"They had the perfect match, in intensity, technical plan, determination. It's never good to take on this type of team so near the final.
"I'm disappointed for my players that they weren't able to go all the way in this adventure. But that's all, there was too big a difference. "They are a war machine. They were superior on all levels."
PSG now face second division Auxerre, who beat holders Guingamp 1-0 on Tuesday, in the Cup final at the Stade de France on May 30.
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