Paris Saint-Germain’s women’s team beat Stade de Reims 2-0 on Matchday 6 of D1 Arkema. Let’s take a look back at the game!
Three days after a fierce battle in Madrid, Les Parisiennes were back in domestic action today, as they made to the short trip to the Champagne region to take on Stade de Reims. Gérard Prêcheur approached this game with a revamped starting 11, with a view to resting certain players midway through such a busy run of fixtures. Kadidiatou Diani and Sandy Baltimore started up front, ahead of a midfield consisting of Kheira Hamraoui, Jackie Groenen and Oriane Jean-François.
Against an uninhibited side backed by their home fans, Les Rouge et Bleu quickly showed their determination. Whilst enjoying a considerable share of possession, Gérard Prêcheur's players imposed their style of play on their opponents in order to get the upper hand and create danger. Initially, however, they came up against a compact and well-organised block. Sakina Karchaoui (15') and Kheira Hamraoui (36') created the first few chances of the game, but Les Parisiennes were going to need patience in order to step up the pressure and find the opening goal.
The match was eventually decided just before and just after the break, with the unplayable Diani the instigator. From Estelle Cascarino's inch-perfect cross from the left flank, Paris Saint-Germain's top scorer rose high into the air to place a looping header into the back of the net (0-1, 43') – a goal that came just at the right time, as shortly after the restart, the headstrong Diani headed home once again, this time from a corner, to double her side's lead (0-2, 47').
With the deadlock well and truly broken, Reims finally opened themselves up in their attempts to get back into the game, making for an enjoyable and end-to-end last half-an-hour. Having been incisive in attack, Gérard Prêcheur's players also deserve credit for a fine display of self-sacrifice in defence as they looked to keep their plucky opponents at bay. Les Rémoises even caused them a brief scare, but Les Parisiennes were able to rely on a touch of luck when the crossbar came to Sarah Bouhaddi's rescue following a curling shot from Kessya Bussy in the 51st minute.
Les Rouge et Bleu were never happy simply to hold onto their lead, with wave upon wave of attacks continuing to crash down on the Reims goal, as demonstrated by half-time substitute Grace Geyoro, who posed a constant threat with her forward running. Despite several chances to widen the gap, though, the score remained the same.
Les Parisiennes' hard-working performance earns them another win and the chance to ride the wave of their good form, as they provisionally move into top spot, putting the pressure back onto their direct competitors – a job well done for Les Rouge et Bleu, who are still unbeaten in D1 Arkema. Their upcoming fixtures will be key, starting with the visit of Montpellier, another heavyweight of the French top flight, next Saturday.