What Is 2019 Coupe de la Ligue final

Overview

The 2019 Coupe de la Ligue final marked the last edition of the French League Cup before its discontinuation. Held on March 30, 2019, the match featured RC Strasbourg Alsace and En Avant de Guingamp at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, near Paris.

Strasbourg delivered a dominant performance, defeating Guingamp 4–0 to claim their third Coupe de la Ligue title in club history. The victory was especially significant as it ended a 14-year trophy drought for the Alsace-based team.

• Strasbourg opened the scoring in the 15th minute when Idriss Abdou scored a powerful left-footed shot from outside the box, setting the tone early in the match.
• Wahbi Khazri doubled the lead in the 28th minute with a composed finish after a through ball split the Guingamp defense, showcasing Strasbourg’s attacking efficiency.
• Adrien Thomasson converted a penalty in the 62nd minute following a handball call after VAR review, extending Strasbourg’s advantage and sealing Guingamp’s fate.
• Lebo Mothiba scored the fourth goal in the 89th minute, capping off a clinical performance and marking his impact as a second-half substitute.
• Strasbourg’s clean sheet highlighted defensive discipline, as they limited Guingamp to just three shots on target despite Guingamp playing in Ligue 1 that season.

How It Works

The Coupe de la Ligue was a knockout competition featuring clubs from France’s top two divisions, Ligue 1 and Ligue 2, with single-elimination matches leading to a final.

• Format: The tournament used a single-elimination bracket, beginning with Ligue 2 teams and progressing through rounds until the final at Stade de France.
• Match Duration: Games lasted 90 minutes, with extra time and penalties used if necessary; the 2019 final did not require either due to Strasbourg’s dominance.
• VAR Implementation: The 2019 final was one of the first in France to use Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology, which influenced the penalty decision.
• Eligibility: All 20 Ligue 1 and 20 Ligue 2 clubs were eligible, though top teams sometimes fielded rotated squads in early rounds.
• Hosting: The final was traditionally held at Stade de France, ensuring a neutral venue with a capacity of over 80,000 spectators.
• Discontinuation: In 2020, the French Football Federation announced the abolition of the competition to reduce fixture congestion, making the 2019 final the last.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of Strasbourg and Guingamp in the 2018–2019 season highlights the contrast in form and squad depth leading up to the final.

The table illustrates why Strasbourg were favorites: stronger league form, better defensive record, and more consistent cup performances. Guingamp’s relegation that season underscored the gap in quality between the two sides.

Why It Matters

The 2019 final was historically significant as the last of its kind, marking the end of a 25-year tradition in French football that began in 1994.

• Strasbourg’s win brought regional pride to Alsace, reviving memories of their 2001 and 1997 titles and energizing local fan support.
• The match featured VAR’s decisive role in French domestic football, setting a precedent for future referee decisions in high-stakes games.
• It highlighted squad depth disparities, as Strasbourg’s balanced roster outperformed Guingamp’s injury-plagued lineup.
• The final’s attendance of 78,446 demonstrated enduring fan interest despite growing fixture congestion concerns.
• Its cancellation in 2020 reflected broader European trends to streamline calendars, impacting smaller clubs’ revenue opportunities.
• Strasbourg earned UEFA Europa League qualification for winning, though they ultimately did not participate due to league placement rules.

The 2019 Coupe de la Ligue final remains a symbolic moment in French football history—both a celebration of Strasbourg’s resurgence and the closing chapter of a once-popular tournament.