Saint-Etienne are through to the quarter-finals of the Coupe de France after an hard-fought 2-1 win over Red Star.
Despite the hosts starting well at Stade Jean Bouin, it was Saint-Etienne who struck early when Ricky van Wolfswinkel provided the finish on 18 minutes for his seventh of the campaign.
Red Star were dealt a further blow when Julien Ielsch was handed a straight red card, but four minutes later, Red Star equalised when Hameur Bouazza latched on to a cross-field pass from the right flank before providing the sliding finish from 10 yards.
Despite being at a disadvantage, Red Star had the momentum, and shortly after he had levelled the score, Bouazza had a clear opportunity to complete the turnaround but he could only volley over the crossbar from 10 yards out.
Half time gave Saint-Etienne the chance to regroup and begin to show their superiority after the restart, but Bobby Allain was able to keep the Ligue 1 side at bay.
As the half wore on, Red Star fought their way back into the match, but with nine minutes remaining, they cruelly conceded a second goal that ultimately proved decisive.
After Yohan Mollo had attempted to deliver a ball into the box from the left wing, his delivery was deflected in at the near post by Pierrick Cros to gift the visitors a place in the last eight.
Darren Plant
