Lyon sink amateurs to land French Cup trophy
Reuters - Saturday 28 April 2012, 22:13
* Lopez strike sees Lyon win first trophy since 2008
* Third division Quevilly hit woodwork but can't score
* Fail to become first amateurs to lift French Cup
(Adds quotes, detail)
By Gregory Blachier
PARIS, April 28 (Reuters) - Olympique Lyon lifted their
first trophy in four years after Lisandro Lopez secured a
hard-fought 1-0 win over gallant amateurs Quevilly in the French
Cup final on Saturday.
The in-form Argentina striker slotted the ball into an empty
net from an Alexandre Lacazette cross in the 28th minute to give
the seven-times league champions their fifth French Cup victory.
Lyon, who are fourth in Ligue 1 and lost the League Cup
final 1-0 to Olympique Marseille two weeks ago, have secured a
spot in next season's Europa League playoff round.
"I am proud we gave the club a trophy," coach Remi Gard told
a news conference. "We produced a beautiful performance. We saw
in the past years how difficult it is to clinch a trophy. The
French Cup is a major one, a very popular competition."
"It's a fresh step forward for the club after three seasons
of drought. I hope it will give us a new momentum."
The Ligue 1 outfit were in total control at the Stade de
France but wasted numerous clear-cut chances.
The third division side, who ousted Marseille in the
quarter-finals and Stade Rennes in the last four, went closest
to a goal when Lyon keeper Hugo Lloris diverted a powerful
Anthony Laup shot on to the woodwork in the 66th minute.
"The first half was very difficult. We saw how deep the
technical gap is between the two teams," Quevilly coach Regis
Brouard told reporters.
"We have to face the reality and congratulate Lyon. They
deserved this victory. They are the best team we have faced
during the campaign. They were far better than us."
GOOD MEMORY
Brouard thanked the 30,000 Quevilly fans who had packed the
stadium to support their team until captain Gregory Beaugrard
lifted the Cup alongside Lyon counterpart Cris.
"We needed them and they have been very supportive. This
will be my best memory of this night," he said.
Two weeks after Lyon played poorly in the League Cup final,
which they lost without having a shot on target, Lopez inspired
his side to make a much more aggressive start.
The striker was unfortunate to hit the post with Lyon's
first chance after a fine move in the 12th minute.
Lyon pushed for a goal as their opponents struggled to
contain runs into the box but they lacked a cutting edge.
Lacazette ran past keeper Yassine El Kharroubi in the 24th
minute only to see his shot saved on the goal line by defender
Frederic Weis and Bafetimbi Gomis's follow-up header went wide.
After Lisandro scored what proved to be the winner, the
Argentina forward sparked panic in Quevilly's defence to set up
Yoann Gourcuff who failed to take advantage of a clear chance.
Lyon tightened their grip after the break and were unlucky
to see Lacazette's deflected shot hit the woodwork in the 50th
minute.
Quevilly tried to rally as the game went on but could not
find an equaliser and despite a valiant effort they failed to
become the first amateur side to win the French Cup.
(Writing by Gregory Blachier; editing by Tony Jimenez and Ken
Ferris)