Football

Saint-Etienne beats Lille to make League Cup final

PARIS (AP) — Saint-Etienne beat Lille 7-6 in a dramatic penalty shootout to reach the League Cup final on Tuesday, staying on course for its first major trophy in more than 30 years.

After the teams finished level at 0-0 after extra time, Saint-Etienne winger Yohan Mollo missed his spot-kick early into the shootout. Then, with the scores tied at 4-4, Lille midfielder Florent Balmont had a chance to send Lille into the final but his weak kick hit the post.

The next five takes were converted until Lille midfielder Idrissa Gueye sent his kick high over the crossbar to give Saint-Etienne the win. Saint-Etienne, which has not won a major trophy since clinching the French league title 32 years ago, plays the winner of Wednesday's other semifinal between Rennes and Montpellier.

Related Headlines

  • Lille makes push for Champions League spot

    On the back of a good run, Lille is making a late push for a Champions League spot as it hosts second-place Marseille in the French league on Sunday. Lille hardly seemed ...