Ligue 1 Talk

In the first two days of French Cup qualifying, two of the biggest names in this round were knocked out by smaller teams.

The major upset today was when Ligue 2 side Nantes lost to CFA 2 side Concarneau by a score of 3-0. While Nantes has not been as impressive the last few games, the Ligue 2 side were considered the overwhelming favorites to win this match.

Instead, Nantes coach Gernot Rohr blamed the loss on a missed penalty call by the official. Still, Rohr said that his side needs to concentrate more on the Ligue 2 championship instead of the French Cup, which seems more like an excuse for not winning against the amateur side.

Nantes were not the only Ligue 2 side that saw an earlier than expected exit from the competition.  A number of other teams that were expected to go far got to “concentrate more on their league play” after Sunday.

While some matches were held today, the biggest upset of the tournement so far was yesterday, when CFA 2 side Aircraft (yes, there is a team simply named Aircraft) defeated Ligue 2 contenders (and possible Ligue 1 promoters) Le Havre AC by a score of 1-0.

Other Ligue 2 teams being upset where Clermont Foot, losing to CFA side Yzeure on penalty kicks, Chateauroux losing to CFA side Saumur 3-1, and Bastia losing to CFA side Marignane 1-0. A third of all Ligue 2 teams entering the qualifying Friday are not in the competition today.

Even some Championnat National teams where upset, with Bayonne and Mills losing to amatuer teams as well.

While the last few day’s attention has been centered around Thierry Henry, Marseille vs. PSG matchup and Auxerre taking the lead in Ligue 1, the most exciting play might have been the amatuers taking on the professional teams of Ligue 2 in the French Cup.

Filed under: French Cup News Tagged: | Aircraft, Bastia, Bayonne, Chateauroux, Clermont Foot, Concarneau, Coupe de France, FC Nantes, French Cup, Le Havre AC, Marignane, Mills, Saumur, Yzeure