Coupe de la Ligue Preview: Diacre eyes first win

Diacre made history by becoming the first female to take charge of a professional male team in the top two divisions of a European nation when she oversaw Clermont's 2-1 defeat at Brest in their Ligue 2 opener last week.

The Stade Gabriel Montpied outfit followed that reverse up with a 1-1 draw at home to Auxerre on Friday, and former France international Diacre - who made 121 appearances for her country - will be confident that her side can go one better when they host Istres in round one of the Coupe.

Istres were relegated from Ligue 2 last season, and began life in the French third tier with a disappointing 3-2 home reverse to Chambly last Friday.

Ligue 2 club Troyes were one of the surprise packages of last season's Coupe as they reached the last four before being beaten 2-1 by Lyon. 

Jean-Marc Furlan's men have started this campaign strongly, winning both of their league fixtures so far 1-0.

And they will fancy their chances of maintaining their 100 per cent record this term at out-of-form Valenciennes, who have taken just one point from two outings following their relegation from Ligue 1.

Sochaux - 2004 Coupe winners - were 2-0 victors at Ajaccio on Saturday, and they visit Laval in midweek.

Ajaccio will hope to bounce back at Brest, while Auxerre travel to Orleans for the first part of a double-header that sees the clubs clash twice in three days.

Tours, who got to the round of 16 last term, entertain Dijon, and 2006 Coupe winners Nancy welcome Le Havre to Stade Marcel Picot.

Elsewhere, Arles meet Niort, Angers host Nimes, and third-tier CA Bastia play Creteil.

Latest in
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is expected to sanction plenty of sales this summer
When does the summer transfer window open?
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Latest in News
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Jack Grealish
Manchester City report: Jack Grealish poised for European switch, with price revealed