Monaco, Lyon and Marseille advance in French Cup
Monaco’s Portuguese midfielder Helder Costa (left) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the French Cup football match between Evian (ETG) and Monaco (ASM) on January 20, 2016 at the Parc des Sports in Annecy, central-eastern France. AFP
PARIS, France—Five-time winner Monaco was pushed to extra time before securing its spot in the round of 16 of the French Cup with a 3-1 win over second-tier Evian on Wednesday.
Playing with a reshuffled but strong team featuring Ricardo Carvalho, Joao Moutinho and Bernardo Silva, Monaco looked fragile throughout and failed to extend its lead following Lacina Traore’s opener in the 45th minute with a header from close range.
Former Monaco midfielder Morgan Kamin pulled the teams level in the 63rd minute with a powerful strike as Evian created the second half’s best chances. But Mario Pasalic converted a good cross from Moutinho to put the visitors back in command in the 104th. Helder Costa then sealed Monaco’s win from substitute Ilyes Chaibi’s assist.
Lyon defeated third-division side Chambly 2-0 with goals from Maxwell Cornet and Mathieu Valbuena on a bad pitch that had been damaged by frost.
Valbuena, who has been struggling for form for most of the season, scored his first goal since October last year.
“Mathieu played an important role in our win, displaying a positive spirit that helped the team move forward,” Lyon coach Bruno Genesio said.
Fourth-division Trelissac produced the shock result of the evening with a 4-2 victory over Lille on penalties after the teams drew 1-1.
Among other top-division teams to advance were 10-time winner Marseille, Troyes, Lorient and Nantes. Marseille beat fellow first-division team Montpellier 2-0 to secure a first home win at the Velodrome since November.
Title holder Paris Saint-Germain advanced to the next round on Tuesday with a 2-1 win over Toulouse.
