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ESPNsoccernet: Europe |
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Wednesday, December 20, 2006
France Cup: Olympique Lyon into semi-finals
PARIS, Dec 20 (Reuters) - Florent Malouda scored one goal and set up another to send Olympique Lyon into the French League Cup semi-finals with a 3-1 home victory over holders AS Nancy on Wednesday.
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Ligue 1 leaders Lyon, who will play Le Mans for a spot in
the final, went ahead when France winger Malouda beat Gennaro
Bracigliano from close range on 53 minutes after being perfectly
set up by midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa.
Nancy, however, levelled the tie 12 minutes later when
forward Moncef Zerka converted a cross from the left.
The five-times French champions eventually had the last word
with goals from Sidney Govou and Alou Diarra in the last 10
minutes.
Earlier on Wednesday, Stade Reims knocked out Stade Rennes
courtesy of a 51st-minute goal by striker Cedric Faure.
Twice European Cup finalists Reims, who now play in Ligue 2,
will host Girondins Bordeaux in the semi-final.
Bordeaux went through when they beat St Etienne 1-0 after
extra time on Tuesday.
Earlier on Wednesday, Le Mans scored two goals in two
minutes in the second half to stun Sochaux 2-1 away and set up
their meeting with Lyon.
Striker Mamadou Samassa headed home from close range to put
the visitors in front after 49 minutes and Brazilian midfielder
Grafite found the net from 18 metres in the 51st.
The hosts pulled a goal back through midfielder Mickael
Isabey, who bent the ball into the net 15 minutes from time.