Paraguayan midfielder, Julio Enciso produced a brilliant performance, scoring twice as Strasbourg defeated Monaco 3–1 at home on Thursday to secure a place in the French Cup quarterfinals.
Strasbourg made a dream start to the contest, taking the lead as early as the seventh minute.
Winger Martial Godo capitalised on a defensive lapse to put the hosts in front, abruptly ending Monaco’s run of three consecutive clean sheets.
The home side maintained their momentum after the break, with Enciso taking centre stage.
The lively midfielder struck twice in quick succession in the second half, stretching Strasbourg’s advantage and effectively putting the tie beyond Monaco’s reach.
Monaco managed to pull one goal back in the 58th minute through striker Mika Biereth, but it proved too little, too late as Strasbourg held firm to close out the victory in front of their fans.
The win sets up a favourable quarterfinal clash for Strasbourg, who will host second-tier Reims, last season’s runners-up and the only remaining side outside Ligue 1 in the competition.
In other results, Brazilian forward Endrick continued his impressive form, scoring his fifth goal in as many games on loan from Real Madrid to help Lyon advance on Wednesday.
Lyon will now host Lens in the quarterfinals, while Marseille face Toulouse and Nice travel to Lorient in the other ties scheduled for next month.
