Nantes, surprising winner last year, has offered itself a new Coupe de France final by again thwarting the forecasts. The Canaries beat Lyon 1-0 thanks to a gem from Ludovic Blas on Wednesday in the semi-final at La Beaujoire.
IMAGO
The Canaries, who had already achieved the double in 1999 and 2000 by winning in the final against Sedan then Calais, will face the winner of the other semi-final on April 29, disputed Thursday between Annecy (L2) and Toulouse. Like last year, the supporters invaded the field in a festive and good-natured atmosphere to the chant of “We are in the final” at the end of the match.
Big disappointment for Lyon on the other hand. Landed in Ligue 1 (9th, 8 points from 5th place), the Gones failed to save their year and are now preparing for a second consecutive season without European competition, very far from the stated objectives.
Paradoxically, Nantes is not even sure of staying in L1 next year, since it is still 14th with only four lengths ahead of the first relegation.