This was the day when Epinal allowed France to fall in love with another minnow.

CNN: January 7, 2013 -- Updated 1530 GMT (2330 HKT)

Not since the 18th century had so many printing presses been ready to illustrate the efforts of Epinal.

CNN: January 7, 2013 -- Updated 1530 GMT (2330 HKT)

It took the amateurs of Epinal just 13 minutes to move into a two-goal lead thanks to Tristan Boubaya.

CNN: January 7, 2013 -- Updated 1530 GMT (2330 HKT)

Epinal is an amateur team, its players work in all sections of society and train when their jobs allow.

CNN: January 7, 2013 -- Updated 1530 GMT (2330 HKT)

While Epinal's players bask in the limelight of its victory, it's unlikely that the town will rival Paris for romance in the long term.

CNN: January 7, 2013 -- Updated 1530 GMT (2330 HKT)

The dream looked like it had died when Lisandro Lopez converted a penalty to leave Epinal's hopes in tatters with just 28 minutes remaining.

CNN: January 7, 2013 -- Updated 1530 GMT (2330 HKT)

As the two teams took to the field, the millionaire international footballers of Lyon and the dreamers of Epinal, what chance would the home side have afforded themselves?

CNN: January 7, 2013 -- Updated 1530 GMT (2330 HKT)

While Lyon's players have been busy wiping the sweat from their brow and basking in the exotic temperatures of the Principality, Epinal's players were trying to fit the rigors of training into everyday life.

CNN: January 7, 2013 -- Updated 1530 GMT (2330 HKT)

But in Olivier Robin, Epinal had its hero.

CNN: January 6, 2013 -- Updated 2119 GMT (0519 HKT)

For now, let Epinal have its day.

CNN: January 7, 2013 -- Updated 1530 GMT (2330 HKT)