Saint-Etienne beats Lille to make League Cup final

PARIS (AP) -Saint-Etienne beat Lille 7-6 in a dramatic penalty shootout to reach the League Cup final on Tuesday, staying on course for its first major trophy in more than 30 years.

After the teams finished level at 0-0 after extra time, Saint-Etienne winger Yohan Mollo missed his spot-kick early into the shootout. Then, with the scores tied at 4-4, Lille midfielder Florent Balmont had a chance to send Lille into the final but his weak kick hit the post.

The next five takes were converted until Lille midfielder Idrissa Gueye sent his kick high over the crossbar to give Saint-Etienne the win.

Saint-Etienne, which has not won a major trophy since clinching the French league title 32 years ago, plays the winner of Wednesday's other semifinal between Rennes and Montpellier.