Dunkirk signs a capital feat against Lille

Lille thought he had done the hardest. In the 85th minute, after a fierce battle against a heroic Dunkirk team, André Gomes finally arose in the area to open the score and release the Pierre-Mauroy stadium. We then believed LOSC relieved, ready to complete the case and spin in quarters. But that was without counting on the very essence of the French Cup, this competition where the big stories are written with crazy twists and unexpected heroes.

A wall named Jaouen

Even before this breathless final, Dunkirk had already delivered heroic resistance. As of kick -off, the Lille waves swept over the opposing surface, but they broke on a guardian in a state of grace: Ewen Jaouen. Loaned by Reims, the 22 -year -old goalkeeper disgust the Dogues. With a firm hand against David (55th), a bewildered reflex against Sahraoui (41st) or even a perfect anticipation in front of Akpom (84th), he maintained his team alive. And when he was beaten, his amounts (23rd, 66th, 84th) and Kondo on his line (14th) took over.

But the story wanted a more cruel outcome to Lille.

Lille punished for her inability to kill the match

Because this Lille domination, sterile and frustrating, had everything a perfect trap. Because the men of Paulo Fonseca tried everything, but have justly failed in the last gesture. Because by dint of not taking shelter, they left Dunkirk to hope. And sometimes, hope is enough.

LOSC cracked in the worst time. A few seconds from deliverance. A last center, a final attempt, a head of Tejan which rises in the surface and an improbable explosion of joy (90+6th). Dunkirk had just torn off its extension.

The penalty shootout, a tragic play

Lille could have, should have folded the case long before. But there was something inevitable in this evening. As if fate had already chosen its camp. As if Jaouen, already immense in regulation time, had to conclude his masterpiece.

The young goalkeeper first dived on the right side to repel Haraldsson's attempt. He then saw Alexsandro and André send their shot out of frame. Then he himself took responsibility. One step back, a look at Mannone, a clear shot and a perfect opposite. The Dunkerquois porter had just sent his team to the quarterfinals.

The magic of the Coupe de France had just operated. Lille, struck, incredulous, left the scene, victim of his own lack of realism. Dunkirk could savor. A feat engraved in the history of the club. One night that no one will want to forget.