It will be the fourth time in recent editions of the Coupe de France that Olympique Lyonnais have reached the semi-finals as they hope to qualify against the losers of the Valenciennes tournament at the Groupama stadium on Tuesday evening.
Pierre Sage can add a Coupe de France final and European football prospect to a list of developing achievements with Les Gones this season after keeping them away from fears of relegation to Ligue 1 this season. They have done so as one of the most in-form. Ligue 1 groups this season.
OL eliminated Strasbourg in the quarter-finals after a 0-0 draw, with goalkeeper Lucas Perri indispensable in the penalty shootout (4-3). Tonight’s opponents, Valenciennes, also objected to a penalty shootout to qualify. FC Rouen, from the 3. er department (4-2).
Alexandre Laccazette: “We have come a long way”
Lyon have gone from relegation concerns this winter to the risk of a Coupe de France final in April. “A lot of other people buried us in December,” captain Alexandre Lacazette said at the pre-match press conference. “But we did it. ” And we deserve to be where we are today. We’re excited to be here, but it’s not over yet. We need to triumph in the last to verify everything we have achieved this season, because we have come a long way. “
Anthony Knockeart: “We have to play the game of our lives”
The former Brighton and Leicester City winger is now active at Ligue 2 side Valenciennes BKT and, despite a torrid season in the league, may also be on the verge of making history with the northern club. Play a game like that, quit football and replace sport!In terms of desire, we will be at 100%,” said the Frenchman.
Lyon – Valenciennes: lineups
Olympique Lyonnais: Perri; Kumbedi, O’Brien, Caleta-Car; Mata, Caqueret, Matic, Henrique; Cherki; Lacazette, Baldé
Valenciennes: Louchet; Linguet, Cuffaut, Basse, Woudenberg; El Amri, Moursou, Banse, Hamache; Lilepo, Oyewusi
Lyon predicted the Nantes XI: Corentin Tolisso and Ainsley Maitland-Niles in the starting line-up
Get the latest in French football
Are Lyon guaranteed a place in the Europa League or the Coupe de France?
Get the latest in French football
“I think he’s the head coach now” – John Textor on Pierre Sage’s long career at Lyon
Get the latest in French football
Coupe de France: PSG and Rennes compete for a place
League 1 Uber Eats
“We deserve it”: Alexandre Lacazette proud Lyon triumphed in Coupe de France final
Get the latest in French football
5️⃣ Things we got from Tuesday’s Champions League