Strasbourg secured a 3-1 victory over Le Havre in the 1/8 finals of the French Cup, confirming their advancement to the quarterfinals. The match unfolded at the Stade de la Meinau in Strasbourg, where spectators witnessed a competitive clash that ended with the home side triumphing decisively.
The winning goals were delivered by Dylan Bakwa, Emanuel Emega, and Marwen Senaya. Andre Ayew provided Le Havre’s lone reply, converting a chance to momentarily lift the visitors. The tie showcased Strasbourg’s attacking balance and resilience, especially in the second half as they extended the lead and controlled key periods of play.
Le Havre’s effort was hampered by an early moment of discipline trouble when Daler Kuzyaev, their Russian midfielder, was dismissed for a direct red card after a trip in the 81st minute. The red card left Le Havre chasing the game with a numerical disadvantage, complicating their strategy as Strasbourg pushed to seal the result.
Looking ahead, the Russian team is slated to return to action on February 11, when Le Havre hosts Rennes in the next round of Ligue 1. The match is scheduled to kick off at 15:00 Moscow time, a time that will test the visitors’ travel considerations and squad depth as they navigate a busy fixture schedule.
Kuzyaev joined Le Havre on July 12 of the previous year, signing a contract that runs through the summer of 2025. Before moving to the Normandy club, he spent six seasons with Zenit St. Petersburg, where he established himself as a reliable presence in midfield. His experience in the Russian top flight has translated into appearances in France, contributing both goals and assists across the campaign span.
Throughout the season, Kuzyaev has taken part in 20 Ligue 1 fixtures, netting two goals and adding one assist. At the halfway point of the season, Le Havre sat 11th in the Ligue 1 table with 24 points after 20 rounds, a position that reflects both the club’s competitiveness and ongoing adjustment to life in France’s top flight. The Cup result adds another layer to Le Havre’s campaign, illustrating the breadth of their efforts across competitions as they balance league responsibilities with knockout pressure.
In related news, head coach Alexander Karpin remarked that Rostov’s recent performance had a rough edge to it following the loss to Spartak, underscoring the emotional and tactical adjustments coaches must manage across multiple competitions. This perspective highlights how a single setback can shape preparation and confidence heading into upcoming league and cup matches, reinforcing the interconnected nature of a club’s season. (Source: Football Federation summaries and match reports)