Football: Aviron Bayonnais Football club close to miracle during the 5th round of the Women's French Cup

The Bayonnaises will not have to be ashamed of their performance. On paper, three divisions apart separated Aviron Bayonnais Football Club, resident of Régionale 2, and Rodez Aveyron Women's Football, professional Ligue 2 club, in this match on behalf of 5th round of the Women’s French Cup. Of course, there was no miracle, but Louis Beddouri's players gave everything before lose 5-4 on penalties.

At the end of 90 minutes of regulation time, the score between the two teams was goalless (0-0)but it was the Basques who had the clearest opportunities of the match. “There is very little to say. We showed that coming to Bayonne was always complicated for any opponent. I am extremely proud of the girls. They pushed themselves to the limits of their physical abilities against professionals. It was a match for us. We are good in transition, we always do poorly in this sector with our arrows in front. We managed to create some great chances, we just missed out on scoring. Too bad, we also come out of the Coupe de France without having conceded a goal after five rounds, it's in our identity to know how to defend well, we showed it again today. All the players did the job, and it didn't amount to much“, analyzes the women's coach of the Aviron Bayonnais Football Club, Louis Beddouri.

Eye to eye

The coach's observation is implacable on the ground, the Ciels et Blancs looked their professional counterparts in the eyes. “We will remember lots of positives in this match. We responded in terms of placement, tactics and physical engagement. We were up to the challenge of a Ligue 2 and we played our card to the fullest. In fact, despite the defeat, we still came out very proud because we put in a great performance for 90 minutes. Indeed, we missed the final penalty of the session, but we are very proud to have reached this level. Stopping at the fifth round of the Coupe de France is already exceptional. That match, not many teams at our level would have managed to do it. Now we are at least leaving with the Coupe de France jerseys (laughs)and from now on, we will put the focus back on the championship”, says team captain Laura Barcos. A Regional 2 championship where Aviron Bayonnais Football Club is still undefeated after five matches.

In any case, the Bayonnaises have had a good run in this Coupe de France. The most beautiful in history for a Basque club, never has a team from our territory reached so high in the competition.