A double by much-travelled French striker Peguy Luyindula saw holders Paris Saint Germain to a 2-0 win over Nancy on Wednesday and a League Cup quarter-final date with the team they beat in last season's final Lens.
Adding further spice to the last eight clash will be the vitriol that was aimed at a section of PSG fans following the final for bringing in highly abusive banners – aimed at Northern French people where Lens is – to the match.
However, PSG coach Paul Le Guen preferred to look at the match which will be in Lens at the highly-charged Felix Bollaert Stadium, which is famous for having a capacity with more people than live in Lens.
“I am very happy to go back to Lens, I have good memories of Bollaert and I always like to play them,” said Le Guen.
“It will be a good match in a red hot atmosphere but it will be above all a good football match.
“Time has passed (since the banner incident) and one can only hope for intelligent behaviour and a good match,” added the former Rangers and Lyon handler.
On Tuesday seven times French champions Lyon and former French champions Auxerre were major casualties as they lost 3-1 and 2-0 to Second Division sides Metz and Vannes respectively.
Auxerre – who have won just one of their previous seven matches in all competitions – followed fellow First Division side Valenciennes in becoming scalps for Vannes, who were tasting welcome revenge for two previous French Cup defeats – both by Auxerre.
Vannes – unbeaten at home this season – will now face Metz in the quarter-finals.
Metz, who are fourth in the Second Division, took full advantage of a Lyon side that rested several of their stars including defenders Jean-Alain Boumsong and Anthony Reveillere and French internationals Jeremy Toulalan and Karim Benzema.
Metz opened the scoring in the 21st minute through a header by Victor Mendy from a cross by Sebastien Renouard and then the former returned the favour by setting up the latter before half-time.
Lyon reduced the deficit shortly after the break with a header by Brazilian defender Cris from a Kim Kallstrom corner, but it was game over in the 66th minute as Romain Rocchi took advantage of the hesitation of reserve goalkeeper Remy Vercoutre following a poor back pass by Cameroon international Jean II Makoun.
The other First Division outfit to lose to lower league opposition on Tuesday were predictably struggling Sochaux, who went down 1-0 to Second Division Lens, for whom defender Ala Eddine Yahia scored the decisive goal with a header in the 109th minute.
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
SoccerNews
Soccernews.com is news blog for soccer with comprehensive coverage of all the major leagues in Europe, as well as MLS in the United States. In addition we offer breaking news for transfers and transfer rumors, ticket sales, betting tips and offers, match previews, and in-depth editorials.
You can follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/soccernews.com or Twitter: @soccernewsfeed.