The Stade de France as the scene of a victory that two cities dream of. Nice and Nantes will try, Saturday May 7, to lift a trophy which will reward a remarkable career in the Coupe de France. The meeting promises to be undecided, while no favorite stands out and several important issues surround the match. What to settle in his chair to follow the match live on France 2 and francetvsport from 8:40 p.m.
Because they can end a long scarcity
It has been a long time since the two clubs experienced the thrill that accompanies the presentation of the Charles-Simon Cup. Since its 1999-2000 double, with victories against Sedan then Calais, FC Nantes has looked gray, despite five semi-finals (2001, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2019).
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As for OGC Nice, we have to go back to 1997 to see the Aiglons victorious in the competition. Therefore, for mTo put an end to their scarcity, the two teams will line up their usual holders, as evidenced by the presence of Alban Lafont in the Nantes cage, occupied by Rémy Descamps during his team’s first five games in the competition.
In addition, the two teams are so far tied in the number of victories, with three French Cups each. Whoever wins on Saturday evening at the Stade de France will equal the Girondins de Bordeaux and AJ Auxerre.
L’@ogcnice it’s 4⃣ finals of #French Cup for 3⃣ wins!
A look back at Nice’s successes in the thread competition pic.twitter.com/yRJGRQqV1l– French Cup (@coupedefrance) May 3, 2022
Because the winner will play the Europa League
A victory in the final would guarantee, whatever happens, a direct place in the group stage of the Europa League. Contrary to what Rennes had to do in 2019, there is no longer any need to go through two play-offs, thanks to the arrival of the Europa League conference. Thus, Nice, fifth in Ligue 1, could approach its three league games with a little less pressure, even if the prospect of qualifying for the Champions League is not dead. For Nantes, such a reward would be unexpected, while the Canaries are in ninth place after 35 league days.
In addition to the sporting component, there is also the financial issue. Victory secures 1.5 million euros for the winner, against 950,000 euros for the loser. Beyond the game each club present in group stage of the Europa League is rewarded with more than 3.5 million euros. Added to this are the bonuses for the team in the European competition. They are at least 630,000 euros for a victory and 210,000 euros for a draw.
Because a final without Paris is rare
Paris in Saint-Denis is (for now) over. For the first time since 2014, the club from the capital will not be present at the Stade de France. Mauricio Pochettino’s players were eliminated by OGC Nice in the round of 16.
For eight years the Parisians have lifted the trophy seven times. Only Rennes managed to undermine this supremacy in 2019, and had to go through a penalty shootout. So for Nice and Nantes, the opportunity is great… and rare. For once, in the end, it will not be Paris who wins.