ligue1-logo
Match Reports

Coupe de France: Lens progress in six-goal thriller, Nice stage dramatic comeback

The likes of Lens, Nice, and Lorient joined Marseille and Reims in the quarter-finals of the Coupe de France thanks to wins on Wednesday night. We take you through the results.
L. ENTWISTLE
Published on 02/04/2026 at 22:00
4-minute read
OGC Nice's players celebate their dramatic late winner against Montpellier

The likes of Lens, Nice, and Lorient joined Marseille and Reims in the quarter-finals of the Coupe de France thanks to wins on Wednesday night. We take you through the results.

Troyes 2-4 Lens

The match-up between Troyes and Lens was certainly one of the most intriguing of the round, especially given the subplot of Allan Saint-Maximin's anticipated return to French football. 

Troyes currently sit top of Ligue 2 BKT, ahead of second-placed Reims by three points, and they hosted Lens, the highest-ranked side left in this competition, following PSG's elimination at the hands of Paris FC in the last round.

However, Pierre Sage's side dominated this encounter, for the most part. Matthieu Udol was once again excellent down Les Sang et Or's left-hand side, and he provided the opener for Florian Sotoca. However, Martin Adeline equalised on the stroke of half-time. But it was upon the return from the dressing rooms that Lens made their quality show, with Abdallah Sima and Andrija Bulatovic netting a quick-fire double to knock the wind out of the Ligue 2 BKT side. 

By the 58th minute, Lens were 4-1 up, and they had scored three goals in eight minutes, effectively ending the tie, despite Renaud Ripart's goal just minutes later, ultimately a consolation. Still second in Ligue 1 McDonald's, just behind reigning champions PSG, Lens must be considered as one of the favourites for this year's Coupe de France.

Nice 3-2 Montpellier

There was drama at the Allianz Riviera. After the weekend's draw against Brest, the club's fans demanded a triumph in the Coupe de France, but for much of the night, they looked on the brink of elimination from the competition. 

Kojo Peprah Oppong netted an own goal in just the third minute to hand Montpellier the advantage, and when Alexandre Mendy doubled La Paillade's lead in the 69th minute, Claude Puel's side were standing on the brink.

But Le Gym would lodge a comeback for the ages, with academy product Kail Boudache halving the deficit just moments later. But it wasn't until the 89th minute that Antoine Mendy, returning from Senegal's triumph at the AFCON, drew Nice level.

The game looked to be heading for penalties, but for the most dramatic of winners from Sofiane Diop in the 97th minute.

Lorient 2-0 Paris FC

In the only all-Ligue 1 McDonald's encounter of the night, it was an in-form Lorient who came up trumps. Paris FC, of course, pulled off the big upset of the previous round, knocking holders PSG out of the competition.

But they are now out themselves. Noah Cadiou opened the scoring for Olivier Pantaloni's side before a Moustapha Mbow own goal later in the game sealed the fate of StĆ©phane Gilli's side. 

Lyon 2-0 Stade Laval

Lyon were forced to leave it late against Stade Laval, and it was Endrick who was once again the difference-maker for Paulo Fonseca's side. His thunderbolt in the 80th minute broke the deadlock. 

Chasing the game, Stade Laval afforded space that was ultimately exploited by Lyon, with the match wrapped up in the 94th minute following a Maxime Hautbois own goal. The finalists from two seasons ago can still hold the dream of lifting the trophy this time around.

Toulouse 1-0 Amiens

And finally, it was a close affair between Toulouse and Amiens. However, it was Carles MartĆ­nez Novell's side who prevailed at the Stadium on Wednesday night, with Yann Gboho's first-half strike ultimately sufficing for Le TĆ©FĆ©CĆ©. 

It means that Toulouse, who won the competition three seasons ago, will progress to the quarter-finals. There is just one game remaining in the round, with Strasbourg hosting Monaco on Thursday night.

READ MORE

>> Coupe de France: Marseille see off Rennes, Reims progress at Le Mans' expense

>> Who is new AS Monaco signing Simon Adingra?

ligue1-logo
Squads overview