ReUnited’s mid-season slump continued with a 2-1 cup loss to the reigning champions. It means we are out of both cup competitions in the first round after serial appearances in semi-finals and finals over the past four years.

The game started in our favour as we pushed the French team back and our early dominance was rewarded when Eitel was fouled in the box and Sascha converted the resultant penalty.
Our grip on the game started to slip when the Lions talisman Azzidine came off the bench and started to run the game though. However things remained tight and we might have gone into the break ahead but for a wonderful strike by their full back on the volley.

This took away a lot of our spirit and energy and the second half was a poor one by us where we truly lacked belief. We could not really create anything whilst the Lions found it easier to find space and make chances. They scored from a corner and then were quite comfortable seeing the game out.
Again, tactically we were found a bit lacking and unable to keep a protective and advantageous shape.