If there is one cup competition in Europe where you can confidently bet on surprises in every round, it is the French Cup. That was confirmed today when second-division side Dunkerque eliminated Lille, a Champions League round-of-16 participant. However, even in this competition—where smaller teams have reached the final (Rouen, Châteauroux, Sedan)—it is hard to expect a team with a budget 170 times smaller than its opponent to pull off a miracle. Especially when that opponent is the mighty Paris Saint-Germain.⚽️ Goal by Barcola🔴 Le Mans 0-2 Paris SG ⚪️#CoupeDeFrance #LMFCPSGpic.twitter.com/lkzjqZ9GJJ— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 Loki 🍿 (@TheLokiLad) February 4, 2025 Le Mans gave it their all, playing beyond their realistic capabilities, but this time, it was only enough for an honorable defeat—0-2. Luis Enrique fielded a mixed lineup, including three teenagers in the starting eleven, but even that did not significantly increase the home team’s chances. Le Mans fought bravely, attempting to defend with five at the back, and maybe they could have held on if they hadn’t conceded an early goal. Désiré Doué scored from a Gonçalo Ramos assist in the 25th minute, making things much more complicated for the hosts. The match was ultimately decided midway through the second half. Doué made way for Bradley Barcola, who found the net less than three minutes after coming on to seal the 0-2 final score.Juste, écouter le bruit sur le but de Dunkerque contre Lille. Non, vous ne rêvez pas 🦻pic.twitter.com/ZGhxJbByKw— Rend l’argent (@Gab142__) February 4, 2025 Ligue 1 side Lille lost a match that they dominiated largely due to squandered chances against Dunkerque, fourth in Ligue 2. Portuguese midfielder Andre Gomes had put Lille ahead after 85 minutes before Dutch striker Kay Tejan equalized after 96 minutes of play to force a penalty shootout. An enormous performance from Dunkerque goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen ensured a 5-4 penalty win to put the northern port side through. Brest, eighth in Ligue 1, are also through with Abdallah Sima scoring a last-gasp winner for the Brittany side. Ibrahim Salah had opened after 49 minutes but Hugo Magnetti bundled into his own net to throw Troyes a lifeline six minutes later. Sima sealed victory for Eric Roy’s men in added time by taking a free kick with the outside of his foot. COUPE DE FRANCE – FRENCH CUPRound of 16TuesdayLille – Dunkerque 1-1 (0-0) (4-5 pen.)/Gomes 85 – Tejan 90+6/Troyes – Brest 1-2 (0-0)/Hagnetti 55 – Salah 49, Sima 90+2/Le Mans – PSG 0-2 (0-1)/Doure 25, Barcola 71/Wednesday22:45: (7.25) Briochin (4.40) Nice (1.40)22:45: (1.65) Cannes (3.60) Sport Union Dives-Cabourg (5.10)22:45: (1.80) Strasbourg (3.45) Angers (4.20)22:45: (1.65) Toulouse (3.60) Guingamp (5.10)***odds are subject to change***
