Marseille crash out against Sochaux
paris — Marseille crashed out of the French League Cup on Tuesday after losing 4-3 on penalties to second-tier Sochaux following a 1-1 draw in their last-16 tie.
Bouna Sarr fired the three-time champions ahead at the Stade Bonal but Moussa Sao swiftly responded to level for hosts Sochaux.
Goalkeeper Christopher Dilo then saved spot-kicks from Doria and Aaron Leya Iseka in the shootout as Sochaux, the only non topflight team left in the competition, advanced to the quarter-finals.
“We’re frustrated because we should have qualified, but that’s the Cup for you,” said Marseille coach Rudi Garcia.
“We knew it would be tough playing away.
“Hats off to Sochaux. They pushed when we scored and hit back with a magnificent goal. They then sat back and tried to hold on until the penalty shoot-out.”
Sochaux coach Albert Cartier said his team’s victory had been “deserved” and came “from the heart”, adding that they regularly practised penalties.
“Generally we practise penalties at the end of very long training sessions so the players remain focused while fatigued, even if the context is obviously not the same.”
Earlier, former Portugal international Sergio Conceicao made a winning start as Nantes manager with a 3-1 victory over Montpellier. Argentine striker Emiliano Sala struck either side of a Kevin Berigaud goal at the Stade de la Beaujoire as Nantes became the first team through to the last eight. —