Coupe de France: Marseille face defining Rennes test as Lyon and Lens host Ligue 2 opposition

The Coupe de France offers Olympique de Marseille a potential lifeline on Tuesday night, as Roberto De Zerbi’s side host Rennes in the Round of 16, while Lyon and Lens look to capitalise on favourable draws against Ligue 2 opponents.

Marseille under pressure as season hangs in the balance

Already eliminated from the UEFA Champions League and winless in their last two matches, Olympique de Marseille approach Tuesday’s clash knowing the Coupe de France represents their clearest route to silverware.

A heavy defeat at Club Brugge (3-0) ended European ambitions, while a late collapse against Paris FC (2-2) further underlined Marseille’s fragility. Speaking after that draw, head coach Roberto De Zerbi admitted: “We are in debt to the supporters.”

Marseille have not lifted a major trophy since winning the Coupe de la Ligue in 2012, and memories remain fresh of their 2023 collapse, when they eliminated PSG in the Round of 16 before being knocked out at home by Ligue 2 Annecy on penalties.

With Paris Saint-Germain already eliminated, the path appears open – but Rennes represent a stern and unforgiving test at the Stade Vélodrome.

Lyon and Lens heavy favourites

Elsewhere, Olympique Lyonnais welcome Laval on Wednesday as strong favourites. Lyon topped their Europa League group phase, have climbed back into the Ligue 1 top four, and have been boosted by the loan arrival of Brazilian teenager Endrick, who has already scored four goals in four matches.

Laval, by contrast, are battling relegation in Ligue 2 and face a daunting trip to the Groupama Stadium.

RC Lens also face second-tier opposition, travelling to Ligue 2 leaders Troyes. Sitting second in Ligue 1 and chasing their first Coupe de France title after final defeats in 1948, 1975 and 1998, Lens will see this as a major opportunity.

An unusually open Coupe de France

The Round of 16 underlines just how open this year’s competition is. For the first time in 35 years, no club below Ligue 2 has reached this stage, while at least one second-tier side is guaranteed a place in the quarter-finals as Reims host Le Mans in an all-Ligue 2 encounter.

Other ties see Paris FC – fresh from eliminating PSG – travel to Lorient, Strasbourg host Monaco, Toulouse welcome Amiens, and Nice face Montpellier.

With the traditional heavyweight already gone, the Coupe de France is wide open – and for Marseille in particular, it may define the entire season.