Manchester United losing in the Capital One semi-final to Sunderland was not the only cup upset this week, and several of Europe’s big names got bounced from their respective domestic competitions.
Coupe de France
In was a night up upsets in France as PSG, Toulouse and Bordeaux were all knocked out of the Cup.
The biggest upset was fourth-tier L’Ile-Rousse who knocked out edged out holders Bordeaux 4-3 win on penalties after a 0-0 draw.
AS Moulins, also of the fourth division, made use of home advantage to knockout Ligue 1’s Toulouse 2-1 in normal time.
Two other of France’s big teams made unexpected exist. Paris Saint-Germain were surprisingly beaten 2-1 by Montpellier in the round of 32 of the Coupe de France. It was the Lique 1 leaders first defeat at home in over a year.
But the most costly loss was to star striker Radamel Falcao who suffered a series knee injure in Monaco’s win against minnows Chasselay.
Falcao was brought down in the box, somehow no penalty was given, and immediately reached for his left knee before being carried away on a stretcher.
Monaco released a statement after the game in which they said:
“The player Radamel Falcao was hit in the left knee. Must await further tests in the coming days to clarify the exact nature of the injury.”
Coppa Italia
Clarence Seedorf lost for the first time as AC Milan manager as the Rossoneriwere knocked out of the Coppa Italia at the quarter-final stage by Udinese. Mario Balotelli had given the hosts an early lead at San Siro, but Luis Muriel drew the Zebrette level from the spot before half-time. Nicolás López’s low second-half finish earned Udinese a semi-final meeting with Siena or Fiorentina.
Copa del Rey
The Copa del Rey was the only competition that tracked to form as Cristian Tello scored a hat-trick as Barcelona came from behind to post a comfortable 4-1 victory at Levante in the first leg of their quarter-final. Nabil El Zhar’s first-half effort had put Levante in front but the Blaugrana moved up the gears after the interval and prevailed courtesy of Tello’s treble and an own goal from Juanfran.
Barcelona will most likely face Real Sociedad in the last four after they beat third-tier side Racing Santander 3-1 at home in their quarter-final, first-leg.
