50 legendary matches: The first at the Parc!
As part of the 50th anniversary celebrations at the capital club, PSG.FR gives you the chance to relive some of the greatest matches in the history of Paris Saint-Germain. Today, a look back at the day when the Rouge et Bleu took on neighbouring Red Star for their first game at the Parc des Princes.
A major first for Paris Saint-Germain on the Parc des Princes pitch on Saturday November 10 1973, as a curtain raiser to the first division match between Paris Football Club and Nancy. 20,000 spectators are in attendance for the big clash between the second division leaders and the match starts at quite a pace: André scores but it's disallowed for offside (5'), Dogliani just misses (7') then Grabowski responds for Red Star and hits the post (14').
A major scare for Paris Saint-Germain who open the scoring a few seconds later: from a Deloffre pass, Dossevi is clean through against the Red Star goalkeeper Landu and scores from close range (1-0, 15'). The Paris attacker has just made history by scoring the first Rouge et Bleu goal at the Parc des Princes. André misses the chance to double the lead, messing up his shot from only a metre out (28') and the game is still undecided at half-time.
Paris Saint-Germain move into a decisive advantage on the hour. Dogliani sets Cardiet away and he crosses for the head of Monteiro for the second Paris goal (2-0, 56'), then Combin reduces the advantage with a penalty after a first effort deviated on the line by Leonetti (2-1, 67'), then a shot by Deloffre following a quick Cardiet throw confirms the Parisians' victory (3-1, 75'). Béreau has a final chance at the end of the game and the Rouge et Bleu leave the pitch to an ovation from won-over spectators.
Paris Saint-Germain are now just one point behind Red Star, their opponents on teh day, and Just Fontaine is delighted: "It's the best thing that could have happened to us, this victory for our first game at the Parc with such fans! My team played the way I like them to play and I think they put on a good show. We won't win every time but the important thing is to keep the same enthusiasm."
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN - RED STAR FC : 3-1 (1-0)
Saturday November 10 1973
Division 2 - Round 13
Parc des Princes (About 20,000 spectators)
Goals: Dossevi (15'), Monteiro (56') and Deloffre (75') for Paris Saint-Germain, Combin (67' pen.) for Red Star.
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN : Choquier - Béreau, Bade, Leonetti, Cardiet - Deloffre, Laposte - André, Dossevi, Dogliani, Monteiro. Coaches: Just Fontaine et Robert Vicot.
RED STAR FC : Laudu - Garrigues, Ahache, Jarra, Merelle - Grabowski, Besnard - Houen (Lefevre, 52'), Ducuing, Combin, Bras. Coach: José Farias.
