Lyon beats Sedan 1-0 to reach French Cup final
LYON, France (AP) - Second-half substitute Juninho converted from an 88th-minute free kick and Lyon beat second-division Sedan 1-0 on Wednesday to reach its first French Cup final since 1976.
The Brazilian midfielder hit a swerving shot from 37 meters that flew over the wall and past goalkeeper Patrick Regnault, who had made several saves earlier to deny the six-time defending French league champion.Lyon, which last won the French Cup in 1973, will play in the May 24 final against Paris Saint-Germain, which beat second-division Amiens 1-0 on Tuesday.
Coach Alain Perrin rested Juninho and other Lyon key players such as Karim Benzema. But, after Regnault denied Kader Keita and Hatem Ben Arfa with fine saves, he called on both Juninho and Benzema midway through the second half.
Sedan's best chance fell to striker Alexis Allart, whose header was saved by goalkeeper Gregory Coupet in the 44th.
Chasing its seventh straight French league title, Lyon leads Bordeaux by two points with two rounds remaining. Perrin remains on course to become the first Lyon coach to ever win the league-cup double.
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