Les Parisiens lose but celebrate their title win!

Crowned champions of France, the Parisians met up with their adoring fans for the final match of the 2023-24 season at a packed Parc des Princes. An emotional Parc des Princes, too, as this was to be the final home game of an exceptional season in our arena. Fired up one last time by the historic voice of our announcer, Michel Montana, our Parisians were determined to rise to the occasion. Luis Enrique opted to use this wonderful evening to offer us a new and original XI, with Arnau Tenas, Yoram Zague and Carlos Soler all geting the call for the gala evening.

Behind the symbolism of this celebratory evening, there was a match to play. And to win, of course. Although, strictly speaking, there was nothing to play for, the match was hard-fought and lively and Luis Enrique's men were quick to show their attacking intent. Always faithful to their philosophy of dominating possession and controlling the game, Les Rouge et Bleu were rewarded handsomely for their early enterprise by... a certain Kylian Mbappé! Springing the off-side trap, our goleador raced into space before rounding the opposing goalkeeper and sliding the ball into an empty goal (1-0, 7').

However, proof - as if were needed - that this championship yields no easy victories, Toulouse quickly hit back through Dallinga, who equalised with a cross-cum-shot (1-1, 13'). The visitors had no qualms about getting forward to create chances and test our defensive line, but our rearguard and Arnau Tenas were on hand to keep the score level during these tricky moments. What followed was just as lively; both teams played in a free, open manner, and the chances just kept on coming - as if to emphasise how full of surprises Ligue 1 really is!

Well aware that they needed to lift their game to match the quality of their opponents, our Parisians started the second half with a vengeance! A thwarted shot from Carlos Soler (46'), an attempt from Danilo Pereira (53'), a header from Marco Asensio (56') and another powerful shot from Mbappé (57') all illustrated the determination of Luis Enrique's men. Unfortunately, Gboho's curling shot (1-2, 68') from the edge of the box proved that the Téfécé side were not lacking in determination either.

The goal was scored somewhat against the run of play, after a fine sequence from Les Rouge et Bleu. So it was time to get back into the game, spurred on by the fresh blood injected earlier by our coach with the arrivals of Ousmane Dembélé and home-grown youngster Senny Mayulu, who was celebrating his first Ligue 1 title. The Parisians never gave up until the end, but their tenacity did not pay off this time; Magri sealed his side's victory in stoppage time (1-3, 90'+4)... A slightly frustrating scenario for the Parisians, after a match in which things simply did not go their way.

Despite the result, there was plenty to cheer about in an electric arena. The celebrations to mark our French league title were a final moment of communion with our loyal and passionate fans, who exceeded all expectations during this rich season. And just as well, because the season is not over... Having taken a deep breath at home, our Parisians are now preparing to travel to the four corners of the country for their final crusades: two league matches, at Nice and then Metz, and a very exciting Coupe de France final, in Lille, against Olympique Lyonnais...