There was drama on the pitch at Stade Francis Le Blé as USL Dunkerque achieved one of the most remarkable comebacks of the Coupe de France quarterfinals, defeating Stade Brestois 29 by three goals to two. This extraordinary match on February 26, 2025, not only showcased the resilience of Dunkerque but also marked their progression to the semifinals of one of France's oldest football competitions.
Dunkerque, competing in Ligue 2, was pitted against the higher-ranked Ligue 1 side, Brest. Expectations were high for the home side, particularly after their recent exit from the Champions League, but Dunkerque proved they were up for the challenge. The match kicked off with both teams eager to dominate, but it was Brest who found the back of the net first.
With the momentum clearly favoring Brest, they opened the scoring just before halftime when Pereira Lage capitalized on defensive lapses from the Dunkerque defense, converting their chance and sending the teams to the break with Brest leading 1-0. "Dunkerque was facing what seemed like insurmountable odds," stated one analyst, highlighting the uphill battle the visiting team faced.
Yet, it was clear Dunkerque had different plans for the second half. The players returned to the pitch with renewed determination, asserting themselves right from the start. Just after the break, they came very close to leveling when Sasso’s header hit the crossbar. Dunkerque’s pressure paid off soon after when they capitalized on a corner kick, with Sasso scoring to equalize the match at 1-1.
Brest responded swiftly, determined not to let the game slip away from their grip. They regained the lead with Camara’s unusual own goal, deflected off Youssouf's foot, bringing the score to 2-1 for Brest. But Dunkerque's spirit was unbroken; they pressed on, and their persistence was rewarded. Following another well-executed move, Bammou set up Sanganté, who found the net not once but twice, completing his comeback story.
"Un match totalement dingue," as one local report put it, encapsulating the emotions on the pitch where Dunkerque delivered moments of brilliance to stun their opponents. Their electrifying performance proved to be too much for Brest, who could only watch as Dunkerque leveled the match again at 2-2, followed by Sanganté’s late winner, sealing their victory.
The post-match reactions were filled with accolades for Dunkerque's fighting spirit and strategic play. "The success confirms Dunkerque’s exceptional capabilities and commitment to pushing forward through their season," enthused the fans who had witnessed their side make history. Meanwhile, the atmosphere for Brest was understandably somber; the loss meant falling short of their ambitions, but it also raised questions about their future efforts.
Now, with Dunkerque's victory propelling them to the semifinals of the Coupe de France, all eyes will be on the draw set for February 27, 2025, where they will learn who they will face next. This result firmly establishes Dunkerque as dark horses of this tournament, ready to surprise fans and opposing teams alike.