Grenoble players celebrate record victory

Ligue 1 leaders Marseille were sensationally knocked out of the French Cup on Sunday as fourth-tier Grenoble prevailed in a penalty shoot-out after the sides finished 3-3 after extra-time.

The last-64 tie went to an extra 30 minutes when Grenoble came back twice to level at 2-2 before Ghana’s Andre Ayew appeared to score the winner with his strike in the first half of extra-time for Marseille.

However a superb header from Grenoble’s Selim Bengriba in the dying seconds set up the penalty finale and former Grenoble midfielder Florian Thauvin missed the only kick of the shootout to hand the home side a famous victory.

“We didn’t do what we had to do and to lose this match is unacceptable,” said Ayew.

Marcelo Bielsa, coach of Marseille: embarrassed

“We were leading three times but we now have to concentrate on the second half of the league season which is very important. Grenoble showed a lot of desire and determination but we’re very disappointed.”

Elsewhere, there were few surprises as seven Ligue 1 sides including Monaco, Lyon and Saint-Etienne all marched into the next round.

Holders Guingamp began their defence in style as they dispatched lower tier outfit Dinan-Lehon 3-2 while Bordeaux edged Toulouse 2-1 in an all top flight affair in the south.

“For our first match after the break, we can be satisfied with our performance,” said Bordeaux coach Willy Sagnol.