Lille ease into French Cup last 16 to boost double hopes

Ligue 1 leaders Lille eased into the French Cup last 16 on Sunday with a 3-1 victory at fourth-tier Gazelec Ajaccio.

Christophe Galtier’s men eased to a straightforward win, with Portuguese centre-back Xeka and the in-form Jonathan David both finding the net.

Lille, who lead Paris Saint-Germain by two points in the Ligue 1 title race, are bidding for a first major trophy since winning the league and cup double in 2011.

They kept their hopes of repeating that feat alive on Sunday despite naming a much-changed side.

Gazelec played in Ligue 1 in the 2015-16 season but have been relegated three times since.

But they did themselves no favours in their attempt to cause an upset, as Alexandre Durimel gave Lille the perfect start with a ninth-minute own goal.

Read AlsoLate David double keeps Lille top of Ligue 1

The hosts stayed in the game until late on, but Xeka struck in the 73rd minute and Canadian international David, on as a substitute, scored his eighth goal in 13 games 11 minutes later.

Gazelec did manage to grab a consolation through David Pollet with three minutes remaining.