Luyindula double hands PSG grudge League Cup quarter-final
A double by much-travelled French striker Pegguy 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.
PARIS, Wednesday (AFP)
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