The 2008–09 Coupe de la Ligue began on 19 August 2008, and its final was held on 25 April 2009 at the Stade de France. The former defending champions, Paris Saint-Germain, were initially barred from participating in the cup after a group of PSG supporters unfurled an offensive banner during last year's final.Lens rage after PSG fans banner insult After PSG appealed the ban, however, the Tribunal Administratif de Paris judge vacated the ruling allowing PSG to defend their Coupe de la Ligue title. Due to this, a new draw was announced.PSG appeal against League Cup banPSG to appeal against league banPSG allowed to defend Coupe de la Ligue French Football Federation (FFF) president Jean-Pierre Escalettes vowed to get the second ruling overturned, stating, "I won't give up," and, "I can't allow acts like this to go unpunished," but was unsuccessful. The winners of the Coupe de la Ligue qualified for the third qualifying round of the 2009–10 UEFA Europa League.

Numbers within brackets represented a team's league level in the 2008–09 season, level 1 being Ligue 1, level 2 Ligue 2, and level 3 the Championnat National.

Ligue 1 club Bordeaux won the competition by defeating Ligue 2 club Vannes by a score of 4–0 in the final.

Calendar On 16 July, the Ligue de Football Professionnel announced the calendar for the Coupe de la Ligue.Le format de l'édition 2008/2009

Note: Due to Paris Saint-Germain's re-entry into the tournament, the draw was redone with different dates attached to the matches.La LFP est amenée à modifier le calendrier DateEvent2 September 20085 clubs from Championnat National and 5 clubs from Ligue 2 entered the competition9 September 2008Remaining clubs from Ligue 2 entered the competition23–24 September 2008Clubs from Ligue 1, except Olympique Lyonnais and Bordeaux, entered the competition11–12 November 2008Round of 16 (Olympique Lyonnais and Bordeaux entered the competition)13–14 January 2009Quarterfinals3–4 February 2009Semifinals25 April 2009 (Saturday)Coupe de la Ligue Final

First round The matches were played on 3 September 2008.

Second round The matches were played on 9 September 2008.

Third round The matches were played on 23 and 24 September 2008.

Final Draw

Right Side Bracket

Left side bracket

Final draw results

Round of 16

Quarter-finals

Semi-finals

Final

Topscorer Madjid Bouabdellah (3 goals)

See also 2008–09 Ligue 1 2008–09 Ligue 2 2008–09 Championnat National

External links Coupe de la Ligue official websites: English French

References