What Is 2017-18 Coupe de la Ligue

Overview

The 2017–18 Coupe de la Ligue was the 24th season of France’s knockout tournament for Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 clubs. It began in December 2017 with first-round matches involving lower-division teams and progressed through six rounds.

The tournament culminated in a final at Stade de France on March 31, 2018, where Paris Saint-Germain claimed their eighth title. This edition marked one of the last before the competition’s indefinite suspension in 2020 due to scheduling and financial issues.

• Paris Saint-Germain entered as defending champions, having won the 2016–17 edition by defeating Lyon 4–1 in the final.
• The competition featured 44 teams, including all Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 clubs, plus select National league sides.
• Matches were single-elimination, with ties after 90 minutes going to extra time and penalties if necessary.
• The final drew an attendance of 79,391, one of the highest in the tournament’s history, reflecting PSG’s popularity.
• This season was notable for being the last with consistent participation from top clubs before the competition’s eventual cancellation.

How It Works

The Coupe de la Ligue operated as a midweek knockout competition running parallel to the Ligue 1 season. Designed to boost midweek attendance and TV viewership, it featured structured rounds with staggered entries based on league status.

• Format: A single-elimination tournament with six rounds, starting with lower-division clubs and culminating in a final at Stade de France.
• Eligibility: All 20 Ligue 1 and 20 Ligue 2 teams were required to participate, along with select National league clubs invited each year.
• Scheduling: Matches were held midweek, typically on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, to avoid clashes with weekend league fixtures.
• Seeding: No formal seeding was used; matchups were determined by random draw after each round.
• Venue: The final was always held at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, regardless of the competing teams.
• Prize: The winner earned a spot in the following season’s UEFA Europa League, though this was later discontinued if the team qualified for the Champions League.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2017–18 Coupe de la Ligue with other major French and European domestic cup competitions:

The Coupe de la Ligue differed from the Coupe de France by limiting entry to professional clubs, making it more exclusive. While the FA Cup and Copa del Rey included amateur and semi-pro teams, France’s league cup focused on elite competition. PSG’s dominance in 2017–18 highlighted their domestic supremacy, as they won all three major French trophies. The tournament’s structure allowed for upsets, but top teams often advanced deep into the competition. Ultimately, its smaller scale and lack of European qualification diminished its prestige compared to other national cups.

Why It Matters

The 2017–18 Coupe de la Ligue was significant both as a competitive event and as a symbol of shifting priorities in French football. Its final edition before suspension underscored growing concerns over fixture congestion and commercial viability.

• PSG’s treble that season—Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Coupe de la Ligue—cemented their dominance in French football.
• The tournament provided mid-season exposure for smaller clubs, with televised matches boosting their visibility and revenue.
• Several young players made breakthrough appearances, including Ángel Di María, who scored in the final.
• The competition’s demise in 2020 highlighted the financial strain of maintaining multiple domestic tournaments without European incentives.
• Broadcasters like beIN Sports held exclusive rights, emphasizing the league cup’s role in media rights strategies.
• Its cancellation left French clubs with fewer competitive midweek fixtures, reducing opportunities for squad rotation and development.

The 2017–18 season remains a benchmark for the Coupe de la Ligue’s final years, reflecting both its successes and structural challenges.