A small goal allows Nantes to dream of a second consecutive French Cup. It will be against Annecy or Toulouse, on Saturday April 29.
By Nathan Joubioux for Le Point
© LOIC VENANCE / AFP
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Por the second time in its history, FC Nantes will defend its title at the Stade de France on Saturday 29 April. This Wednesday, April 5, Antoine Kombouaré’s players dominated a pale Olympique Lyonnais in the semi-finals of the Coupe de France.
The result is logical. After dominating their evening opponents in the first half, they finally made their chances come true through Ludovic Blas in the 57the minute, author of a sumptuous goal. If the Lyonnais had more possession of the ball, they framed only one strike. Too little to hope to win a Coupe de France semi-final.
���� OOHHHH THE JEWEL OF LUDOVIC BLAS!!!
�� The Nantes player opens the scoring with an exceptional goal!
�� Superb chest control sequence – volley from the left just before the hour mark! https://t.co/nWOAZlLHaQ— beIN SPORTS (@beinsports_FR) April 5, 2023
At the final whistle, and as tradition dictates, the Nantes supporters invaded the pitch to celebrate this qualification with their players. ” It is magic. We play football to experience this kind of emotion. We sometimes go through difficult phases, as is currently the case in the league. But I said it before the match: the cup is magic. Tonight, we make thousands of people happy. It’s a victory that we went for with guts. Now there is one match left, and a final has to be won. We will do everything to go to the end and win it, ”welcomed Moussa Sissoko, at the microphone of France 3.
Nicolas Pallois, Nantes defender, is also at the party: “It’s wonderful to return to the Stade de France. We had a big game tonight, we responded. The coach told us not to have any regrets. We did like last year. To see the stadium invaded is magnificent. Fans are waiting for that. A beautiful evening. Now everyone at the Stade de France. Tonight, everyone responded and I’m happy for FC Nantes. »
It remains to be seen who, Annecy or Toulouse, FC Nantes will have to defeat to consecutively lift a second cup. But the challenge will be up to the Canaries. See you in more than three weeks.