Marseille lifts third straight French League Cup

PARIS An extra-time goal by substitute Brandao gave Marseille a 1-0 win over Lyon at Stade de France on Saturday that allowed them to claim the French League Cup for a record third successive season.The Brazilian beat Hugo Lloris with a low shot in the 105th minute to settle a low-quality encounter and end a desperate run of form that had seen Marseille go 12 games without victory in all competitions.“It’s our sixth title in three years,” said OM coach Didier Deschamps, who has faced criticism from his club’s fans in recent weeks.“That’s an average of two per year, for a club that hadn’t won anything in 17 years. It’s to the players’ credit. I also want to thank the technical staff and the medical staff.“It’s a great source of pride for me. It doesn’t change the analysis of our season -- which hasn’t been good in the league -- but it’s a title and no-one can take that away from us.”Having slumped to ninth in Ligue 1 and been swept out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich, victory over OL means Deschamps’ side can at least look forward to Europa League football next season.Lyon’s four-year trophy drought continues, but they will start as strong favourites when they return to Stade de France to face third-tier Quevilly in the French Cup final in two weeks’ time.“Unfortunately, we’ve already had setbacks this season, but we’ve always bounced back,” said Lyon coach Remi Garde, whose side are also bidding to chase down third-placed Lille in Ligue 1.“I have faith in my squad. I’ll try to find the words so that we can come back again and achieve our objectives. We want that third place and we’ll be there.”

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Marseille lifts third straight French League Cup