Holders Lille crash out
08/02/2012
Valenciennes pulled off the upset of the Coupe de France's last-16 by ousting holders Lille 2-1 to reach the quarters alongside OL - who beat Bordeaux 3-1 - and Montpellier, who downed Châteauroux (L2) 2-0.
Valenciennes 2 - 1 Lille 
Few would have tipped Valenciennes to get the better of current Ligue 1 and Coupe de France title holders Lille in their last-16 clash, but just days after earning their first away win in the league, Daniel Sanchez's men turned in a tenacious and mature performance to do just that.
There was no surprise as Lille dominated possession with the slick passing game, but Valenciennes defended with aplomb, foiling the visitors' attempts in the final 30 metres and then pouncing twice on the counter in quick succession - through Mathieu Dossevi's near-post header (71') and Vincent Aboubakar's thumping drive (78') to crack the match wide open.
Although new signing Nolan Roux scored his third goal in two appearances for Lille (88'), it was cold comfort for Garcia's men, who have now been knocked out of both cups and the Champions League and will only lift a trophy this season should they successfully defend their Ligue 1 title.
Lyon 3 - 1 Bordeaux 
(a.e.t.)
Under Rémi Garde, Lyon have earned a reputation for coming from behind to steal victory, and that was exactly what they did once again as they scored twice in extra time to win 3-1 end Bordeaux's hopes of a place in the quarter-finals.
Bordeaux took an early lead through in-form Brazilian midfielder Jussie (23') but OL youth academy product Alexandre Lacazette levelled (37') and had it not been for a series of breath-taking saves from Bordeaux 'keeper Cédric Carrasso, the match may well have ended after 90 minutes.
However, Lyon saved their best for late on, Bafétimbi Gomis (96') and Jimmy Briand (118') sealing the deal to book a place in the quarters and keep OL in the running in four competitions. Despite a valiant performance, Bordeaux will have to put their hopes of cup glory on hold until next season.
Châteauroux 0 - 2 Montpellier 
In imperious form in 2012, Montpellier notched their sixth-straight win of the calendar year - and booked a place in the quarter-finals - by dominating Ligue 2 outfit Châteauroux 2-0 on Wednesday night.
The inevitable Olivier Giroud was on hand to break the deadlock with (37') with his 18th of the season in all competitions and Morocco star Younes Belhanda, just returned from AFCON duty, bagged the second (88') to round out the win.
The result puts an end to Châteauroux's best campaign since losing 1-0 in the final to PSG in season 2003-04.