Toulouse FC had to endure a nail-biting match on Saturday afternoon, December 21, 2024, to secure their place in the 16th round of the Coupe de France. Facing Hauts Lyonnais, a team from National 3, the Toulouse squad emerged victorious with a 4-2 win on penalties after drawing 0-0 at the Stade Maurice-Rousson, Feurs.
The match proved to be more challenging than expected for the defending champions. Right from the 27th minute, Toulouse was reduced to ten men when Niklas Schmidt received a red card for a reckless tackle. The loss of Schmidt seemed to embolden the underdogs, Hauts Lyonnais, who managed to match Toulouse's intensity even after being down to ten players themselves when Rudy Loirette was red-carded at the 67th minute.
During regular time, both teams fought hard but could not break through each other's defenses. Toulouse striker Suazo tested the Hauts Lyonnais goalkeeper, Isidore Tissot, multiple times; yet, the young keeper held firm, staving off threats and keeping the match scoreless.
Despite the odds stacked against them, Hauts Lyonnais showcased tremendous spirit. They created several threatening opportunities but failed to convert, as their hopes of pulling off a significant upset lingered. Tissot’s phenomenal performance was highlighted when he thwarted Suazo's late efforts, keeping his team's dream alive until the end.
Once the final whistle blew with no goals scored, the match was decided by penalties. Toulouse missed their first penalty attempt, sending some jitters through their camp. Yet, they regained composure and converted four of their next five penalties. On the other hand, Hauts Lyonnais stumbled, with captain Hilal Bouguerra hitting the crossbar with his shot and another attempt saved by Toulouse goalkeeper Alex Dominguez.
Post-match, Toulouse FC’s manager, Carles Martinez Novell, reflecting on the tense moments said, "Niklas knows it's a mistake. Nothing to say about the red card. It was too much engagement. We missed him on the pitch." This incident nearly shifted the game's momentum entirely.
Meanwhile, Romain Dedola, the interim coach of Hauts Lyonnais, expressed pride in his team's performance: "I am proud of my players. Nobody believed we could perform this well over 90 minutes," highlighting both the disappointment of not advancing and the honor of competing valiantly against such stiff competition.
This match not only showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, but it also attracted over 2,000 eager fans, some cheering passionately for the underdogs. It was Hauts Lyonnais's third time reaching this stage of the competition, and it marked the first time they played against top-tier opposition.
Despite being last in their National 3 group, this encounter offers hope for Hauts Lyonnais. With renewed energy and the appointment of new manager Jérémy Berthod, the team is rallying for survival.
While Toulouse's victory allows them to press forward to the next round, it raises questions about the potential consequences of Schmidt's red card. The team faces Lens on January 5, 2025, and Schmidt's absence may be felt as they push to defend their title.
Hauts Lyonnais, though disappointed, leaves the tournament proud, their efforts earning admiration and respect. Coupled with the experience they gained, they have demonstrated resilience and determination—qualities likely to serve them well as they refocus efforts on National 3 survival.
