Coupe de France: Five magic moments from the weekend
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The Coupe de France once again the provided drama and giant-killings, as Ligue 1 clubs faced the rest of the French football pyramid.
Montpellier crash out against Le Puy
Fourth tier side Le Puy created one of the stories of the Coupe de France this season, knocking out struggling Ligue 1 outfit Montpellier in convincing fashion. The hosts from Auvergne opened the scoring in the 43rd minute, before a flurry of goals near the end of the game sparked wild celebration in the 75th, 78th, and 90th minutes. After knocking out OGC Nice in 2023, the National 2 side have added another Ligue 1 side to their collection of Coupe de France scalps.
Espaly set up tie with PSG in sensational fashion
Espaly will be one of the lowest sides in the competition in the next round, and they will face none other than the current Ligue 1 Champions in Paris Saint-Germain. They managed to knock out third tier outfit Dijon on penalties in their iconic Stade du Viouzou on Friday. As if that wasn't good enough, when the team and supporters sat to watch the draw for the next round there were wild celebrations when they were drawn against PSG yesterday evening. "It’s fantastic, the cafe was full to the brim and there had already been shouting when the OM ball was drawn, but now, it was shouting everywhere. This print is classy! We are a family club and it was my dream."
Stade Briochin dump out Le Havre
Another massive shock took place involving a Ligue 1 club, when fourth tier Stade Briochin managed to knock out Didier Digard and Le Havre at home. A solitary goal from Stan Janno in the 80th minute was enough to secure a historic result for the Breton side. The outfit from Saint-Brieuc will now face Ligue 2 BKT Annecy in the Round of 32 hoping to create yet another upset in January.
Dunkerque knock out Auxerre
High-flying Dunkerque have been impressive in Ligue 2 this season, and are now taking that energy into the Coupe de France where they managed to beat high-flying Ligue 1 side Auxerre away from home at the Stade Abbé-Deschamps. Enzo Bardeli's goal in the 26th minute was the difference for Les Maritimes against the top flight club. As their reward they will face amateur side Hagueneau after the winter break, hoping to make the final 16.
Cheikh Ndoye Eternal as Cannes knock out Grenoble
Remember iconic Angers captain and Senegal international Cheikh Ndoye? Yep. He scored for fourth tier side AS Cannes to knock out Ligue 2 Grenoble on Saturday in a 3-1 win. The former Red Star FC and Birmingham City man has been plying his trade in the fourth division and is once again shining at the national level. The Côte d'Azur side will face either Tours or Lorient in the next round in January.
Photo Credit: Stade Briochin
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