It is a breathtaking scenario that will remain engraved in the annals of the French Cup. This Wednesday, the USL Dunkirk (Ligue 2) achieved the impossible by overthrowing Brest (3-2), qualified this season in the Champions League, to rise to the semi-finals of the French Cup. A feat all the more resounding as it ends 96 years of waiting for the northern club, absent from the last square since 1928.
From abyss to ecstasy in 25 minutes
Led 2-0 at the time of play after goals from Mathias Pereira Lage (45th) and Mahdi Camara (59th), the Maritimes seemed to be condemned. But Captain Vincent Sasso instilled the hope of a powerful head (65th), before Opt Sangané, who came into play, seals his status as a hero. The Bissaoguinean returned the match in four dazzling minutes, taking advantage of two Brestois releases to register a double (80th, 84th). An unlikely as it is masterful as it is masterful, under the dumbfounded eyes of a silent Brest audience.
A legendary course
This victory is added to an already prestigious list: Dunkirk has become the first Ligue 2 team since Sochaux (2015-2016) to eliminate three elite clubs in one edition. After having released Auxerre (1-0) in the 32nd finals and LOSC (on penalties) in 8th, the Northerners confirmed their status as serial-killer.
Brest, from euphoria to nightmare
The Bretons, still bruised by their rout against PSG (7-0) in the Champions League, believed to be redeemed. Despite an initial domination and 13 attempts, they sank into the last moments. “It's a big disappointment, it's still incredible to take 3 goals on a stopped kick. It's a great disillusionment tonight. Dunkirk played his match well but we haven't really been in trouble, it's difficult to digest ”, conceded Eric Roy, the Brest coach.
History on
Dunkirk joins Reims and Cannes in the semi-finals, with the ambition to continue his dream. “It's magical. The players believed until the end ”, Soufflé Luis Castro, the visitor coach. Next challenge: to write a new chapter, 96 years after their last adventure in half.
With passion and resilience, Dunkirk recalls that football remains a miracle field. The club writes an epic that transcends the divisions, carried by the audacity of a collective and the soul of a region. The final? A horizon now allowed.
