Les Parisiennes win the derby

What better way to give Paris Saint-Germain fans another treat than with a derby in the capital in the run-up to the festive season? Third in the table, the women's team were up against their rivals, Paris FC. Jocelyn Prêcheur's players were keen to follow up their big victory over AS Roma on the European stage. For the game, the Paris Saint-Germain coach once again opted for an eleven led by an attacking quartet of Martens-Bachmann-Baltimore-Katoto, combining skill and pace.

A real battle awaited our Red and Blues as they faced off against their Parisian opposition. The opening minutes quickly set the tone... In the electric atmosphere typical of a derby, it was the PFC players who broke the deadlock from the start after a scrappy situation. The Stade Charléty side won a penalty when Ribadeira's shot was blocked by Thiniba Samoura. The experienced Gaëtane Thiney converted her effort to give her team the lead (1-0, 4').

A new game then began. Stung into action, our Red and Blues shifted up a gear and started keeping the ball away from their opponents. Patience was required to get around PFC's dense, compact block. It was thanks to their threat in behind that the Rouge et Bleu were able to get back into the match. Ramona Bachmann, launched like a high-speed train into the box, won a penalty which Sandy Baltimore converted with aplomb (1-1, 36').

The lines then began to stretch in this open, enjoyable match in which the two teams responded to each other from one end of the pitch to the other. Despite some tricky moments during PFC's high points, Constance Picaud's team-mates never backed down, the Parisian goalkeeper shining with her magnificent reflexes on the line, as she did with Ribadeira's big chance (44'). On the following attack, Marie-Antoinette Katoto, who had been sent through by Ramona Bachmann, finished past Nnadozie to turn things around (1-2, 44').

The second half was just as competitive. The Parisians held on to their lead, showing plenty of character in the face of a PFC side that continued to threaten. The chances multiplied as the minutes ticked by. Matéo gave the Parisians a scare in the box (61'), but Sandy Baltimore (71') and Grace Geyoro (72'), who came on as a substitute after the break, responded in quick succession with chances of their own. But the game was already settled. Jocelyn Prêcheur's side kept their composure to hold on to their lead at the end of a thrilling match.

After an intense derby, Paris Saint-Germain's Women's team picked up a precious win that allowed them to close the gap on Paris FC, just three points behind their opponents with two games in hand. It's an excellent result, and one that will allow the team to look ahead to Wednesday's eagerly-awaited second game against AS Roma in the UEFA Women's Champions League.