Les Parisiennes beat Croix Blanche Angers to qualify

Match reports

The Paris Saint-Germain women's team beat Croix Blanche Angers this Sunday in the Round of 32 of the Coupe de France with a 3-0 victory. Here's a recap of the match.

Five days after the Île-de-France derby to kick off the 2025 calendar year in the Arkema First Division, the Paris Saint-Germain women's team returned to the charm of the Coupe de France, where they are defending their title in the 2024-25 edition. The Rouge et Bleu faced Croix Blanche Angers, a team competing in Division 3. For the occasion, Fabrice Abriel opted to rely on key players from the squad: Paulina Dudek, Sakina Karchaoui, Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Grace Geyoro were all in the starting line-up.

In a cheerful atmosphere at the Stade André Bertin, the classic set-up of a traditional cup match quickly took shape. From the outset, the Rouge et Bleu settled in the opposing half, weaving their web and suffocating the local players. Up against them, the Angers-based team focused on closing down spaces against the formidable Parisian lineup. A fairly predictable attack-versus-defence scenario unfolded. Patience was set to be the key word of the match.

Focused on the mission at hand, Fabrice Abriel's players stuck to their game plan, working to create openings and make the difference. However, the home side initially held firm against the constant onslaught, thanks in large part to the performance of their goalkeeper, Léna Michaud, who made multiple saves to deny the visitors.

Faced with efforts from Romée Leuchter (14’, 39’) and Marie-Antoinette Katoto (17’), Croix Blanche’s last line of defence, goalkeeper Léna Michaud, stood strong to delay the inevitable. And when the Angers goalkeeper was beaten, her defenders stepped up to save the day, such as Garnier’s goal-line clearance against Katoto (31’). Fortunately for the Parisians, the breakthrough finally came!

The turning point came through Paulina Dudek, who pushed forward from a corner and scored after excellent work by Sakina Karchaoui (0-1, 36’). By breaking the deadlock, the Rouge et Bleu made their task significantly easier in this Round of 32 clash.

Forced to open up and take more risks, the hosts threw all their energy into the battle. The Parisians capitalised on the newfound spaces with experience and intelligence, ultimately sealing the win in style. In quick succession, Korbin Albert (0-2, 90’+2) and Romée Leuchter (0-3, 90’+3) found the back of the net to add a final flourish to this well-deserved victory. It was also a fitting way for the Dutch international to celebrate her 24th birthday.

With this victory, the Paris Saint-Germain women's team confidently booked their spot in the Round of 16 of the Coupe de France. Staying on track, the ambitious Parisians now turn their focus to the upcoming showdown against their rival Lyon next week. The stage is set—it's a date not to be missed...