PSG join top flight exodus from French League Cup

Paris St Germain sank to an embarrassing loss in the French League Cup on Sunday, defeated 3-2 by Nantes to become one of 12 top flight club...

Paris St Germain sank to an embarrassing loss in the French League Cup on Sunday, defeated 3-2 by Nantes to become one of 12 top flight clubs to exit the competition at the first round stage.

The Parisians, whose under-fire coach Luis Fernandez was boosted by a 2-0 league win against Lyon last week, were undone by two headers from Nantes defender Mario Yepes.

The Colombian scored in each half from crosses by Olivier Quint, defender Sylvain Armand grabbing Nantes’ other goal from a brilliant counter-attack in the 34th minute.

Story continues below this ad

PSG had managed to fight their way back from two goals down thanks to Alex Nyarko in the 42nd minute and Argentine Gabriel Heinze four minutes into the second period.

But Brazilian star Ronaldinho missed a decisive penalty with 10 minutes left, ruining PSG’s hopes of going into extra-time.

“I knew where he would kick it. I had the right inspiration,” said Nantes goalkeeper Mickael Landreau, who also saved a penalty in his team’s recent 1-0 victory at Parc des Princes in a first division match.

It was the first time in League Cup history that 12 top flight teams were ousted in the first round.

Story continues below this ad

First division leaders Nice were beaten by second division Creteil 1-0 on Saturday while RC Lens, Sedan and Rennes were also beaten by teams from lower divisions.

On Sunday, second division St Etienne beat Le Havre 1-0 in extra time thanks to a goal scored by Frederic Mendy in the 114th minute.

Monaco scored their third successive victory against Auxerre, in-form Ludovic Giuly scoring the only goal in the game.