1996–97 Coupe de la Ligue explained

Coupe de la Ligue
Year:	1996–97
Other Titles:	French League Cup
Dates:	28 August 1996 – 12 April 1997
Num Teams:	47
Defending Champions:	Metz
Winners:	Strasbourg (1st title)
Second:	Bordeaux
Matches:	46
Goals:	120
Scoring Leader:	David Zitelli (5 goals)
Prev Season:	1995–96
Next Season:	1997–98

The 1996–97 Coupe de la Ligue began on 28 August 1996 and the final took place on 12 April 1997 at the Stade de France. Metz were the defending champions, but were knocked-out by Caen in the Round of 16. Strasbourg went on to win the tournament, beating Bordeaux 6–5 on penalties in the final.^[1]

First preliminary round

The match was played on 28 August 1996.^[2] |}

Second preliminary round

The matches were played on 1 October and 13 November 1996.^{[3] [2]} |}

First round

The matches were played on 23 October and 20 November 1996.^{[4] [2]} |}

Second round

The matches were played on 10 and 11 December 1996.^{[5] [2]} |}

Round of 16

The matches were played on 10, 11, 12 and 15 January 1997.^{[6] [2]} |}

Quarter-finals

The matches were played on 28 and 29 January 1997.^{[7] [2]} |}

Semi-finals

The matches were played on 18 and 19 February 1997.^{[8] [2]} |}

Final

See main article: 1997 Coupe de la Ligue final. The final was played on 12 April 1997 at the Parc des Princes.^{[1] [2]}

Notes and References

1. Web site: RC Strasbourg - Girondins Bordeaux 6:5 (Coupe de la Ligue 1996/1997, Final). worldfootball.net.
2. Web site: France 1996/97. www.rsssf.org.
3. Web site: Coupe de la Ligue 1996/1997 » Preliminary. worldfootball.net.
4. Web site: Coupe de la Ligue 1996/1997 » 1. Round. worldfootball.net.
5. Web site: Coupe de la Ligue 1996/1997 » 2. Round. worldfootball.net.
6. Web site: Coupe de la Ligue 1996/1997 » Round of 16. worldfootball.net.
7. Web site: Coupe de la Ligue 1996/1997 » Quarter-finals. worldfootball.net.
8. Web site: Coupe de la Ligue 1996/1997 » Semi-finals. worldfootball.net.