In a surprising turn of events in the French Cup, five-time winner Lyon suffered a defeat in a penalty shootout against amateur team Bourgoin-Jallieu, knocking them out of the tournament’s round of 16.
Amateur team Bourgoin-Jallieu achieved a remarkable victory against the prestigious Lyon in the French Cup, culminating in a dramatic penalty shootout. This unexpected outcome spurred jubilant celebrations among the home fans, who stormed the pitch to revel in the team’s success. For Lyon, a club with seven league titles and five cup victories, this loss marks a significant upset against a team from the fifth division.
The match, held on Wednesday, ended in a 2-2 draw, sending the game into a nail-biting penalty shootout where Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette and Corentin Tolisso failed to convert their penalties. “We play football for this,” expressed goalkeeper Ronan Jay to broadcaster beIN Sports, highlighting the emotional and historic nature of the match. “It will stay with us for life, it’s unbelievable.”
Located less than 50 kilometers apart, Lyon and Bourgoin-Jallieu are worlds apart in terms of football achievement. While Lyon’s rich history is marked by multiple league and cup titles, Bourgoin-Jallieu competes in the far less heralded fifth division. Nevertheless, Mehdi Moujetzky proved instrumental for Bourgoin-Jallieu, scoring twice to first give his team a 1-0 advantage and later to level the score at 2-2, after goals from Nemanja Matić and Georges Mikautadze temporarily put Lyon ahead.
Although Moujetzky missed his penalty during the shootout, Bourgoin-Jallieu managed to clinch a triumph that will be celebrated for years to come. Despite the heroics on the night, defending champion Paris Saint-Germain remains focused on their goal of winning the cup for a record-extending 16th time, as they took on Espaly in another match against amateur challengers.
Bourgoin-Jallieu’s victory is a testament to the unpredictability of football, where determination and grit can overcome a storied past. The victory not only highlights the thrill of cup competitions but also captures the essence of why the sport captivates so many around the world.
