Auxerre claim Cup with late goals
Saturday, May 31, 2003
Article summary
A late comeback earned AJ Auxerre a 2-1 victory against Paris Saint-Germain FC in the Coupe de France final.
Article body
AJ Auxerre claimed a place in next season's UEFA Cup as a stirring late comeback earned a 2-1 victory against Paris Saint-Germain FC in the Coupe de France final.
Late turnaround
Trailing 1-0 with less than 15 minutes remaining, French international striker Djibril Cissé equalised 13 minutes frm time to cancel out Hugo Leal's first-half strike for PSG, before defender Jean-Alain Boumsong scored the winning goal in the final minute.
Bright start
PSG began the stronger, and might have taken the lead in the fourth minute as Brazilian playmaker Ronaldinho's curling free-kick clipped the top of the crossbar with Auxerre goalkeeper Fabian Cool beaten.
Leroy denied
The FIFA 2002 World Cup winner was heavily involved throughout the first half, and came close to creating the opening goal after 20 minutes, cutting the ball back for Jérôme Leroy, but the midfield player's low shot was saved by Cool and the ball bounced up and over the crossbar.
Hugo Leal on target
A minute later, PSG were ahead, and again Ronaldinho was instrumental in the move, breaking down the left and sending a low cross into the Auxerre penalty area. The ball broke kindly for Portuguese midfield player Hugo Leal on the edge of the area, and his well-struck low shot gave Cool no chance.
First threat
Auxerre struggled to threaten the PSG goal in the opening period, but almost drew level after 34 minutes as Boumsong's long-range shot hit the left-hand post after the ball had fallen kindly following a corner.
Turning point
The match turned in Auxerre's favour in the 66th minute, as the goalscorer Hugo Leal was shown a red card for a tackle on Auxerre defender Philippe Mexes. Guy Roux's side made full use of their numerical advantage in the closing stages, as Cissé collected a Johan Radet pass and raced clear to equalise.
Late winner
The match seemed to be heading for extra time, but Boumsong capped his side's fightback in the final minute of normal time, scoring from close range to give Auxerre the trophy at the Stade de France.
