Coupe de France: Reims topple Monaco on penalties

In an entertaining encounter at the Stade August Delaune, played a month after the two sides met in Ligue 1 McDonald's, Stade de Reims edged AS Monaco in a penalty shootout following a one-all draw, sealing a place in the Round of 16 for Luka Elsner's side.

A lively start

In a matchup of two teams who have struggled of late in Ligue 1 McDonald's, neither side was gun-shy out of the traps, despite the visitors playing a somewhat experimental side with youngsters Lucas Michal and Soungoutou Magassa both in the eleven, Adi Hütter managing several absences on the part of his veteran squad. Indeed, the visitors had two chances in the match's opening five minutes, as Breel Embolo was just short of getting on the end of a cross before Eliesse Ben Seghir fired over. 

Reims would respond in quick order though, Luka Elnser having fielded a strong side which included Teddy Teuma, who would prove to be the protagonist for the Champagne side after Monaco narrowly had a goal by Takumi Minamino chalked off for offside. On a free kick midway through the half, Teuma's free kick glanced off the base of the post, but just before the interval, the midfielder delivered another that found the head of Cédric Kipré, with the defender nodding the hosts ahead.

𝙌𝙪𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙞𝙧𝙚́𝙚 !! 🔥#SDRASM #CoupeDeFrance pic.twitter.com/HVuzzFaOkr

— Stade de Reims (@StadeDeReims) January 14, 2025

Monaco strike back

Short of attacking options with both Folarin Balogun and George Ilenikhena injured, Hütter brought on new signing Mika Biereth, and the young Dane would soon make his presence felt, crossing for Mohammed Salisu. The big defender crashed in a header and the match was level with twenty minutes to play. Both coaches urged their sides on, but despite Monaco having the upper hand, Reims 'keeper Yehvann Diouf stood strong, denying both Biereth and Embolo moments after the equalizer.

The match would head to penalties, and it was the hosts who would emerge victorious, with Diouf saving from both Biereth and Caio Henrique as Reims sealed a place in the Round of 16. Monaco will surely be disappointed and will have to rebound quickly, as they are back in Ligue 1 McDonald's action on Friday against Montpellier HSC before facing Aston Villa in a crucial UEFA Champions League match. As for Reims, they're back at the Stade Delaune on Sunday, welcoming AC Le Havre as Elsner faces his former side.

Read more:

>> Coupe de France: Nice edge Bastia

>> Coupe de France: Lille dump out OM on penalties

(header: Stade de Reims)