OL Thanks Endrick, Nice Overturns Montpellier in Coupe de France Thriller
In a thrilling set of matches during the Coupe de France, Olympique Lyonnais and OGC Nice showcased their resilience to secure their spots in the quarter-finals. Both teams have maintained their momentum, blending skill and determination as they faced their respective opponents.
OL Triumphs Over Laval
On a memorable evening, Lyon faced Laval at the Groupama Stadium. Coach Paulo Fonseca opted to rotate his squad, giving opportunities to players like Hateboer, Karabec, Abner, and new recruit Nartey. Despite this, Lyon struggled to convert their dominance into goals.
Laval, positioned 17th in Ligue 2, surprised the crowd with early chances. Camara’s efforts were skillfully thwarted by Lyon’s goalkeeper, Descamps. As the game progressed, the visitors continued to challenge Lyon’s defense. However, Merah nearly broke the deadlock, hitting the post with his powerful drive.
It wasn’t until the second half that Lyon found their rhythm. Endrick scored a stunning goal at the 55th minute, transforming the game’s dynamic. Moreira secured the victory in injury time with another goal, finalizing the score at 2-0 and ensuring OL’s progression to the next round.
Nice’s Dramatic Comeback Against Montpellier
Meanwhile, OGC Nice faced Montpellier in an exhilarating match. The game began ominously for Nice as Oppong inadvertently scored an own goal in the 3rd minute. However, the home team quickly regained composure, thanks to two set-piece efforts from Bernardeau.
The match took a turn when Montpellier’s Alexandre Mendy restored their lead in the 68th minute. Just when it seemed Montpellier would secure a win, Boudache leveled the score for Nice, marking his first professional goal. As the clock ticked down, Antoine Mendy equalized in the 89th minute, setting the stage for a thrilling finish.
In a heart-stopping climax, Diop clinched victory for Nice in the 90+8th minute, completing an incredible comeback. The final score of 3-2 exemplified the fighting spirit of Nice and showcased their potential in the tournament.
Match Overview
| Match | Score | Goalscorers |
|---|---|---|
| OL vs. Laval | 2 – 0 | Endrick (55′), Moreira (90+4) |
| Nice vs. Montpellier | 3 – 2 | Oppong (OG, 3′), Mendy (68′), Boudache (72′), Mendy (89′), Diop (90+8) |
| Toulouse vs. Amiens | 1 – 0 | Gboho (39′) |
| Lorient vs. Paris FC | 2 – 0 | Cadiou (54′), Mbow (OG, 82′) |
As the tournament progresses, Lyon and Nice are solid contenders, demonstrating significant skill and tenacity on the pitch. The upcoming quarter-finals promise more thrilling encounters and potential surprises.
