23rd August 1974: Paris's first top-flight win at the Parc des Princes
50 years ago today, on 23rd August 1974, Paris Saint-Germain recorded their first-ever top-flight win at the Parc des Princes by beating Angers SCO 3-2.
On that day towards the end of August 1974 at the Parc des Princes, Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Just Fontaine had quite a bit of trouble putting out a competitive side, as no fewer than seven players were injured going into the game (Denis Bauda, Jacky Novi, Louis Floch, Jean Deloffre, Christian André, Dominique Lokoli and Jacki Bade).
Les Parisiens were short of confidence following two heavy defeats on the road (6-1 away to Reims and 5-0 away to Lille), and the zonal defensive system that was so dear to Fontaine had looked shaky so far that season. To take on Angers, young defenders Christian Quéré and Gérard Cenzato as well as the equally young midfielder Robin Leclercq were starting not only this particular game but also their top-flight careers.
There was no point in being fashionably late to the Parc des Princes that day, as after just three minutes of play, both teams had already scored a goal, with François M'Pelé's third-minute, slightly deflected cross come shot cancelling out Marc Berdoll's opener a minute earlier.
With the wind now in their sails following the equaliser, Paris Saint-Germain continued to dominate proceedings, but just before the break, Angers would score their second goal through Boško Antić.
In the second half, M’Pelé again found a way through, levelling things up in the 70th minute with a powerful strike straight into the top corner from 20 yards out, before the Congolese forward earned the win for his side just ten minutes later.
From a free kick following a foul on Leclercq, M'Pelé barged his way into the Angers penalty area, evading the on-rushing defender Patrick Brulez and scoring with a potent, off-balance shot. This was M'Pelé's third goal of the night as well as the one that sealed a 3-2 win for Paris – the first in a long line of victories for Les Rouge et Bleu at the Parc des Princes.
After the game, Fontaine was a relieved man: "This is a win for desire and for bravery. Thanks to the fans for cheering us on despite how difficult it was."
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN 3-2 ANGERS SCO (1-2 at HT)
Division 1 – Matchday 5
Parc des Princes – 10,959 spectators
Referee: Michel Kitabdjian.
Goals: M’Pelé (3', 70', 80') for Paris; Berdoll (2') and Antić (41') for Angers.
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN: Pantelić – Cardiet, Quéré, Cenzato, Renaut – Laposte, Dogliani (c), Poli, Leclercq – Dahleb, M’Pelé. Coaches: Just Fontaine and Robert Vicot.
ANGERS SCO: Griffoni – Brulez, Damjanović, Laurier, Le Boedec – Guillou, Edwige, Antić – Berdoll, Cassan, François. Coach: Pancho Gonzales.