Thousands of Lyon fans invade the pitch to celebrate reaching the French Cup final for the first time in 12 years… as the team continue their resurgence after disastrous start to the season
- Lyon reached the final of the French Cup for the first time in twelve years on Tuesday
- Their fans stormed the field at full time to celebrate with the players
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Thousands of Lyon fans poured onto the pitch at full-time to celebrate their team reaching the French Cup final with a convincing 3-0 win against Valenciennes on Tuesday evening.
Facing the bottom of Ligue 2 at home, Lyon lived up to expectations as favorites, with former Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette scoring twice before Gift Orban secured victory.
When the final whistle blew, Lyon fans rushed onto the pitch to join their heroes in the glory after seeing their side reach the cup final for the first time since 2012.
Flares were lit, creating a smoky atmosphere in the stadium, while club chairman John Textor also enjoyed the moment by taking a selfie on the pitch.
Lyon – who won seven consecutive league titles between 2002 and 2008 – have not won any major trophies since winning the French Cup 12 years ago, but are now just one match away from ending that streak.
Thousands of Lyon fans took to the pitch and lit flares after their team reached the French Cup final on Tuesday
Manager Pierre Sage was hoisted into the air by his players as Lyon celebrated their victory
Club chairman John Textor (right) was also on the pitch, taking a selfie as he basked in the glory
Former Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette scored twice to seal Lyon’s place in the final
Tuesday’s result continued their resurgence under Pierre Sage, their third manager of the season.
The club started the campaign under Laurent Blanc, but he lasted less than a month and was sacked just days after Lyon’s ultras confronted their players on the pitch following a 4-1 defeat to PSG.
Lyon turned to another former World Cup winner in Fabio Grosso after Blanc, but he had only been at the helm for just over two months after the side found themselves in a relegation battle.
Grosso suffered facial injuries after Lyon’s team bus was attacked by hooligans in Marseille at the end of October, and he was sacked the following month.
Lyon will now face PSG of Rennes after reaching their first final since 2012
There has been a turnaround at Lyon after their players faced ultras following a 4-1 defeat to PSG earlier this season
Laurent Blanc (left) and Fabio Grosso (right) were sacked earlier this season after a disastrous start to the season, but Sage has turned around Lyon’s campaign
Sage came in, initially on an interim basis, and he has turned Lyon’s fortunes around.
The 44-year-old has won 15 of his 21 games to guide Lyon to 10th place and away from the threat of relegation, while they now have a cup final to look forward to.
After Tuesday’s match, images circulated showing Lyon’s players hoisting a delighted Sage into the air as they celebrated their victory long after the final whistle.
Lyon will discover their opponents for the final tonight, with PSG and Rennes set to face off in the other semi-final in Paris.
