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CLAUDE ALMIGHTY
Saint-Etienne fans swarm pitch as they reach first French Cup final in 38 years – days after violent clash at Lyon
SAINT-ETIENNE fans swarmed the pitch after a dramatic 2-1 win over Rennes saw them reach their first French Cup final in 38 years.
Ryad Boudebouz emerged from the bench to score in injury time as Claude Puel's side came from behind to set a date with Paris Saint-Germain in what will be a repeat of the 1982 final.
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Les Verts, who lost on penalties against the Ligue 1 champions after extra-time ended 2-2, had ironically fallen behind from a spot-kick to current cup holders Rennes.
Senegal international Mbaye Niang swept home from twelve yards before Timothee Kolodziejczak drew Saint-Etienne level.
But with the match destined for extra time, Algerian midfielder Boudebouz sparked jubilant scenes among the home fans with a drilled effort from the edge of the area in the fourth minute of added time.
Following the full-time whistle, thousands of supporters stormed the pitch to form a wave of green as stewards tried desperately to keep order.
Thankfully, the scenes are a lot more savoury than those earlier this week, in which the club's rivalry with Lyon escalated to a street brawl.
Over a hundred armed hooligans swarmed the backstreets on Saturday evening ahead of Saint-Etienne's 2-0 defeat to Rudi Garcia's men on Sunday.
But 'Magic' supporters were in nothing but high spirits after recovering from their relegation form in the league to reach the French Cup Final.
On-loan Arsenal star William Saliba endured a mixed night as he had the most touches, made the most passes and had the most ball recoveries.
Yet the 18-year-old did also concede the penalty for Rennes' opener as it was his challenge that brought down Rafinha.
Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick as PSG trounced 10-man Lyon 5-1 in the other semi-final this week.
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And manager Thomas Tuchel said: "Mbappe's been very strong these last few weeks. He had a tough time in Dortmund playing in a different position. It was clearly difficult for him against Dortmund.
"With Neymar, they're very strong together. After Dortmund, Mbappe showed a great reaction after every training session and during the games against Dijon and Lyon.
"He's very strong, he uses his speed very well, he's very decisive. He's really in good shape."
Rival supporters from Lyon and Saint Etienne brawl in street ahead of huge derby clash
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