Valenciennes FC survived a dramatic encounter against US Thionville Lusitanos, advancing to the next round of the Coupe de France after triumphing 5-4 on penalties following a tense 2-2 draw. The match, held at the Stade de Guentrange, showcased the players' resilience and tactical finesse, leaving both teams and their supporters on the edge of their seats.
The game kicked off with the visitors taking control early on. Valenciennes managed to open the scoring quite swiftly, as Makabi Lilepo netted the first goal just 14 minutes in. His alertness and positioning showcased why he was a key player for the team, taking advantage of the defensive lapses from Thionville. The hosts, playing with determination and electricity, pushed back, but opportunities from players like Maxime Bourgeois went unconverted, with his attempts failing to hit the target.
Despite dominating possession at times, Thionville struggled to find the net, as key opportunities slipped away, including their captain’s effort hitting the crossbar. Valenciennes continued to be the more effective side, creating chances and threatening to widen their lead. Yet, thanks to Alexis Zimmermann's solid goalkeeping, Thionville held on.
After halftime, the tone of the game shifted as US Thionville Lusitanos came back with renewed energy. A tactical change by their coach Julien François saw Michael Omosanya step onto the field, and almost immediately, he made his mark, scoring the equalizer just three minutes after the restart. The goal injected life back to the home fans, who rallied behind their team, creating an electric atmosphere in the stadium.
Thionville's newfound momentum didn’t last long, as Valenciennes regained the lead through Lucas Woudenberg following yet another set-piece situation, making it 2-1. With time winding down, it seemed Valenciennes would spoil the day for Thionville, but the story took another twist.
Right up to the last moments of the match during injury time, Thionville managed to keep pushing forward with sheer desperation. Jules Vitoux, who had also been brought on as a substitute, emerged as the hero. His last-gasp equalizing goal at the 90+7 minute mark sent the home fans roaring, sparking scenes of jubilation among the players and supporters.
Regulation time closed at 2-2, forcing the match to be decided by penalties—a format filled with tension where anything can happen. Both teams stepped up, with Thionville courageously facing the pressure of the moment. They went toe-to-toe with Valenciennes, but after trading blows, the visitors prevailed, with Thionville missing two penalty chances. The culmination of this nail-biting penalty shootout saw Valenciennes clinch the win 5-4.
After the final whistle, emotions were palpable on both sides. Valenciennes expressed relief and excitement at advancing, as coach Vincent Hognon emphasized the importance of the victory for the team, especially after their rocky start to the season. On the other hand, Julien François shared his disappointment, recognizing how close his team came to achieving something historic. 'We were close to writing another page of our history,' he remarked, reflecting on the courageous display of his players.
Overall, the match was not just another game; it was a narrative of resilience, unexpected turns, and the spirit of competition. US Thionville Lusitanos showed tremendous heart, and their fight to come back from behind will be remembered, as they aim to regroup and learn from this experience. For Valenciennes, the victory acts as motivation as they progress to the next stage of the tournament, eyeing future matches with determined focus. The Coupe de France continues to enthrall and surprise, captivating fans across the nation with its unpredictability.
