Lyon cruise while Toulouse lose

A Karim Benzema hat-trick helped French champions Olympique Lyonnais progress to the last 32 in the French Cup. There they will meet amateur side, O. Croix de Savoie, while Paris FC shocked Toulouse FC in the upset of the weekend.

Smooth passage
Lyon, who have not won the trophy since 1973, enjoyed a smooth passage against US Créteil Lusitanos. Benzema scored twice in the first half, Juninho Pernambucano added another before the break and the 20-year-old France forward completed his treble in the second period when Créteil also missed a penalty.

Shock upset
Toulouse’s poor form continued as they were defeated 2-1 at home by third tier opposition in the shape of Paris FC. They now meet Ligue 2 side Dijon FCO in the next round. Toulouse have now been knocked out of UEFA Champions League, UEFA Cup and French League Cup this season, winning one game in ten. "It's a terrible setback," said coach Elie Baup. "I have few words to say how sad I am, but I want to congratulate Paris."

Holders through
Elsewhere, Stade Rennais FC won 3-0 at third-tier FC Martigues while LOSC Lille Métropole left it late to finish off neighbours Avion FC, eventually triumphing 3-0. Cup holders FC Sochaux-Montbéliard also went through after two goals from Moumouni Dagano gave new coach Francis Gillot a winning start.

Upcoming ties
The next round will see four all-Ligue 1 ties with FC Metz hosting RC Strasbourg, FC Lorient welcoming Rennes, UEFA Cup contenders FC Girondins de Bordeaux taking on Le Mans UC 72 and AS Monaco FC travelling to Olympique de Marseille. In addition, Sochaux will play host to Ligue 2 side Montpellier Hérault SC.