Strasbourg Reach Coupe de France Semi-Finals with Late Penalties

Reims fall to Strasbourg in Coupe de France quarterfinal

Strasbourg edges Reims 2-1 with two late penalties, reaching Coupe de France semi-finals for the first time since 2001.

Reims' promotion hopes take a hit as Strasbourg wins 2-1, booking semi-final spot in the Coupe de France...

Strasbourg was ruthless from the spot, scoring two late penalties to edge past Reims 2-1 and book their spot in the Coupe de France semi-finals.

Reims, chasing promotion to Ligue 1, had a tough time handling Strasbourg's pressure, with the Ligue 1 side dictating possession and tempo from the start.

The hosts struggled to turn that dominance into clear chances and were repeatedly denied by goalkeeper Alexandre Olliero, who was in defiant form.

The Reims stopper reacted sharply to hold Sebastian Nanasi’s glancing close‑range header, and tipped Guéla Doué’s low drive onto the post to ensure his side reached the break all square.

Reims aimed to keep their impressive clean sheet streak alive in the second half, having gone seven games without conceding in all competitions (3 wins, 4 draws). However, Strasbourg's pressure was taking its toll, with Guéla Doué's shot hitting the woodwork again, and the Ligue 1 side struggling to find a way past Reims' defense despite dominating possession.

For all their pressure, however, Strasbourg suffered a scare when a rare Reims break ended with Hiroki Sekine’s strike arrowing towards the bottom corner, only for Mike Penders to turn it away with a fingertip save.

Seemingly running out of ideas, Strasbourg were handed a late lifeline when two late penalties turned the tie completely in their favour.  

INTO THE COUPE DE FRANCE SEMI-FINALS 🤩 #RCSASDR | #CDF pic.twitter.com/xDBOjcFo4j

— Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace English (@RCSA_English) March 3, 2026

Joaquín Panichelli stepped up to slot home a penalty after John Patrick's handball, giving Strasbourg the lead. Just three minutes later, substitute Julio Enciso sealed the win with another penalty, effectively ending Reims' chances.

Patrick Zabi scored a late consolation goal for Reims, but it wasn't enough for the team that reached the final last season. Strasbourg's late turnaround, thanks to two penalties, secured their spot in the semi-finals.