Gareth Messenger

On 22 April 2000, FC Gueugnon became the first, and to date only, team from outside the top flight to win the Coupe de la Ligue, beating Paris Saint-Germain 2-0.

Founded in 1940, Gueugnon spent their first forty years as an amateur club. They eventually turned professional in 1980, earning promotion to Division 1 in 1995, but were relegated after one season. In Division 2 for the 1999-2000 season, they faced only one Ligue 1 team on their way to the Coupe de la Ligue Final, beating Strasbourg 2-0 in the quarterfinals.

In the final, they faced two-time champion PSG. Playing in Paris at the Stade de France, PSG were heavy favourites but were unable to crack Gueugnon's defence. The underdogs seemed to gain enthusiasm with every minute as they stifled PSG's attack and, in the 65th minute, a 25-yard blast from Gueugnon midfielder Nicolas Esceth-N'Zi fell at the feet of teammate Marcelo Trapasso, who tapped it in for the opening goal.

Gueugnon doubled their lead in the 90th minute when Sylvain Flauto turned a cross into the net. The whistle blew shortly afterwards.

The win proved to be costly to Gueugnon, as they lost several key players to bigger clubs, including defender Sylvain Distin, who left for opponents on the day, PSG.

Gueugnon dropped through the ranks to the third tier and were liquidated in 2011. Later that year, they reformed and re-entered the league at the sixth tier. After earning promotion in 2013, they currently play in the fifth tier of the French football pyramid. 

Still, at least they’ll have the glorious memories of 20 years ago…