Nantes Edge Past Metz in Extra-Time Thriller to Reach Coupe de la Ligue Quarter-Finals
FC Nantes booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Coupe de la Ligue on Tuesday night after a dramatic 4-2 extra-time victory over Metz at La Beaujoire.
Michel Der Zakarian’s men were made to fight hard for the win, coming back from two goals down in the second half before sealing the match in extra time. It was a spirited display that will boost confidence ahead of their upcoming Ligue 1 fixture against Lorient.
Metz stunned the home crowd with two quickfire goals just after the hour mark, putting Nantes on the brink of elimination. But the Canaries responded with determination.
Togolese international Serge Gakpé reignited the comeback in the 83rd minute, netting the equaliser to make it 2-2 after Nantes had already reduced the deficit. Gakpé’s effort sent a jolt of energy through the stadium and set up a tense finish to regular time.
With neither side able to break the deadlock in the final minutes, the match headed into extra time — where Nantes would finally take control. Ismaël Bangoura, who had earlier assisted the third goal, delivered the decisive moment in the 118th minute. Played through by Chaker Alhadhur on the right flank, Bangoura spotted Metz goalkeeper M’Fa off his line and calmly lobbed the ball into the far corner to seal a thrilling 4-2 win.
The result not only sends Nantes into the last eight of the competition but also serves as a timely morale boost. Der Zakarian’s side are now set to face Lorient this weekend in Ligue 1 and will meet Metz again at La Beaujoire on January 11th in league action.
For now, though, the Canaries can savour a hard-fought victory in front of their home supporters — one that showed both resilience and quality when it mattered most.
