Marseille wins French League Cup

SAINT-DENIS, France - Marseille became the first side to win successive League Cups when defender Taye Taiwo’s late winner beat Montpellier 1-0 in the final at Stade de France on Saturday.

In a scrappy and sometimes ill-tempered game, the teams looked set for extra time until the Nigeria defender scored with a low shot in the 80th minute.

Marseille, which trails league leader Lille by one point with seven rounds remaining, can repeat the domestic double it achieved last season.

“It was a heated match. We created many chances and my players showed character,” Marseille coach Didier Deschamps said.

“It’s great for the players, they are rewarded for their efforts and a lot of people will be delighted in Marseille tonight.”

Montpellier, chasing its first trophy in 21 years, suffered a second loss in six days to Marseille after a 2-1 home defeat last weekend in the league.

Taiwo, who is strongly tipped to join AC Milan next season, also scored the winner during that game with a 82nd-minute penalty.

AP