Paris Saint-Germain again disappointed despite beating Bordeaux 2-1 to reach the Coupe de France last 16, while Saint-Etienne struggled to overcome Ligue 2 opposition.
Questions are again likely to be raised regarding Laurent Blanc's future at PSG, with the Ligue 1 champions' display hardly dispelling suggestions that the coach has lost the dressing room.
But Willy Sagnol's side produced a significant improvement after the break and pulled one back through Diego Rolan.
Bordeaux's hopes of completing a comeback were boosted by Zoumana Camara's 83rd-minute red card for a second booking, but PSG managed to hold on to secure progression.
Saint-Etienne needed extra time to beat Ligue 2 side Tours 5-3, despite holding a 3-1 lead with 17 minutes to go.
A Moustapha Sall own goal gave Tours an early lead, but the visitors eventually restored parity in the 64th minute thanks to Kevin Monnet-Paquet's close-range finish, before Ricky van Wolfswinkel scored twice in quick succession to seemingly send Saint-Etienne into the last 16.
But, Youssef Adnane pulled one back a few moments later with a spectacular half-volley from 25 yards and Brian Bergougnoux secured extra time with a delicately chipped penalty 10 minutes from time.
A second yellow card for Christian Kouakou in the 103rd minute handed Saint-Etienne the advantage, with Mevlut Erding netting shortly afterwards and Monnet-Paquet doubling his tally to send the Ligue 1 side through.
There were to be no such problems for Monaco and defending champions Guingamp, as they recorded 2-0 triumphs at home to Evian and Chateauroux respectively.
Brest needed extra time to dispatch of fifth-tier side Cholet, as they eventually ran at 3-1 winners, while National club Le Poire-Sur-Vie won 1-0 at Bressuire in another extra-time clash.
