THE BIGGEST ‘CUPSETS’ ACROSS EUROPE THROUGHOUT THE 2025/26 SEASON: PART 2
As the European football season draws to a close, the series by Flashscore highlighting the most unexpected upsets in cup competitions rounds off with a look at ten stunning results from the 2025/26 season. This second installment delves into the memorable occurrences that kept fans on the edge of their seats during knockout play across Europe.
ATLETICO BALEARES 1-0 ESPANYOL – COPA DEL REY SECOND ROUND
The Copa del Rey provided an early shock as second-tier club Atletico Baleares pulled off a remarkable 1-0 victory against the LaLiga team, Espanyol. Historically, Baleares has fluctuated between the third and fifth divisions, with limited success, making their triumph significant. Despite dominating possession, Espanyol, sitting sixth in LaLiga, failed to capitalize on their chances, culminating in Jaume Tovar’s goal for Baleares in the second half. Ultimately, Espanyol’s consecutive early exits from the tournament highlighted the unpredictability of cup competitions.
KAHTA 02 SPOR 3-1 KASIMPASA – TURKISH CUP THIRD ROUND
In the Turkish Cup, fifth-division Kahta 02 Spor stunned Super Lig side Kasimpasa with a 3-1 victory. The match began positively for Kasimpasa as they took an early lead, but Kahta responded quickly, leveling the score through Yusuf Firat and then taking control just before half-time with a goal from Ahmet Tuna Akli. Kasimpasa’s relentless attempts to equalize proved futile, and Berkay Ceylan sealed the upset with a late goal, sending the underdogs into euphoric celebrations.
DUNFERMLINE 0-0 FALKIRK (4-2 ON PENALTIES) – SCOTTISH CUP SEMI-FINALS
In Scotland, Dunfermline’s remarkable journey in the Scottish Cup culminated in a nail-biting semi-final against Falkirk. After a stalemate through regular and extra time, Dunfermline triumphed 4-2 in the penalty shootout. This added to their storied history in the cup, reflecting on their past successes from nearly six decades earlier. The final represented a momentous occasion for both clubs, signaling close runs in their respective seasons.
AVRANCHES 1-1 BREST (4-2 ON PENALTIES) – COUPE DE FRANCE ROUND OF 64
In the Coupe de France, US Avranches shocked Ligue 1 side Stade Brestois, advancing on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Brest faced adversity early on with the sending off of defender Julien Le Cardinal, which allowed Avranches to take the lead. Despite narrowing their deficit through Remy Labeau Lascary’s goal, Brest couldn’t capitalize on their chances, leading to a dramatic penalty shootout that saw Avranches pull off a monumental upset, although their cup run would end shortly after with a heavy defeat.
TROMSDALEN 6-1 SANDEFJORD – NM CUP THIRD ROUND
One of the season’s most astonishing results occurred in the NM Cup, where Tromsdalen obliterated Sandefjord 6-1. Tromsdalen, a club with no history in the top flight, demonstrated extraordinary skill despite being heavy underdogs. With goals coming from Adrian Peterson and Elias Aarflot, they stormed to victory against a top-tier opponent who fielded a weakened team. Tromsdalen’s later exit in the competition did little to overshadow their stunning performance in this match.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
Among other honorable mentions, the Polish Cup saw third-tier Chojniczanka Chojnice take down Korona Kielce, while Sanatatea Cluj from Romania achieved a similar feat by defeating Unirea Slobozia. Both teams exemplified the unpredictable nature of cup competitions, showcasing how lower league teams can triumph against their high-flying counterparts.
This recap not only highlights the thrilling moments of the 2025/26 season but also exemplifies the magic that cup competitions hold, where any team can defy the odds and create history on the pitch.
