Raon-l'Étape set for 13th Coupe de France last 64 in 30 years against Paris FC | OneFootball

US Raon-l'Étape, the Vosges club now in Regional 1, will contest the Coupe de France last 64 for the 13th time in 30 years when they face Paris FC at 18:00 on Saturday. It is an exceptional return for an amateur side.

President Pierre Tarry says they do not target a Cup run at the start of the season, adding the club feel a special bond with the competition. According to L'Équipe, Raon-l'Étape have long been viewed as Cup specialists among amateur teams. They have not yet defeated a Ligue 1 side.

The pattern stretches back to 1996-97, when they reached the last 16 and lost 1-0 to Strasbourg. In 2008-09 they held top-flight Grenoble to 0-0 after extra time before going out 4-3 on penalties.

In 2013 they pushed eventual winners Bordeaux to penalties after a 2-2 draw after extra time, then fell 5-3 in the shootout. A year later Bordeaux edged the 32es 2-1. In 2015-16, thanks to a Jonathan Clauss goal, they took Saint-Étienne to penalties but lost 4-3 after a 1-1 draw after extra time.

The most recent reference came in 2020, when LOSC led 3-0 before Raon-l'Étape rallied to 3-2. General manager and co-coach Farid Touileb recalls that comeback as proof they can unsettle elite visitors, while captain Omar Hassidou says the experience helps him calm younger team-mates. Between 2007-08 and 2015-16 they reached the last 64 seven times in nine seasons.

Across six meetings with Ligue 1 opponents they have never progressed, yet the ties have been tight. Touileb notes they have not lost by more than one goal whenever they have reached the last 64. Paris FC provide the next measuring stick.

Source: L'Équipe