Avranches Stuns Brest in French Cup Upset; Angers Survives Penalty Shootout

The third-tier team Avranches caused a major upset by defeating Ligue 1 side Brest in the French Cup on March 15, 2024. After a tense match that ended in a 1-1 draw, Avranches triumphed 5-4 in the penalty shootout, securing their place in the last 32 of the tournament. This victory marks a significant achievement for the Normandy club, highlighting their potential against higher-tier opponents.

Brest faced significant challenges throughout the match, playing with only ten men after Julien Le Cardinal received a red card midway through the first half. Despite this setback, they managed to equalize, pushing the match to penalties where Avranches ultimately prevailed.

Other Matches in the French Cup

In another thrilling encounter, Angers narrowly avoided a similar fate against third-division team Les Herbiers. The match ended in a goalless draw, but Angers advanced 6-5 in the penalty shootout, demonstrating their resilience under pressure. This outcome underscores the unpredictable nature of knockout competitions.

Second-tier club Montpellier secured a narrow 1-0 victory against fifth-tier side Canet Roussillon, ensuring their progression in the tournament. Meanwhile, Reims showcased their strength with a convincing 4-0 win over fifth-tier team IC Croix, displaying a dominant performance throughout the match.

In another matchup featuring two second-division clubs, Laval edged past Guingamp with a single goal, further emphasizing the competitive spirit of the tournament. Third-placed Ligue 2 team Le Mans also faced challenges, managing to secure a 2-1 victory against sixth-tier Perigny.

Lastly, Lens achieved a solid 3-1 victory against Feignies Aulnoye at home, consolidating their position in the competition. These matches highlight the excitement and unpredictability of the French Cup, where lower-tier teams can challenge and surprise higher-ranked opponents.

As the tournament progresses, fans can anticipate more thrilling encounters and potential upsets, showcasing the depth of talent across French football.