Paris draw in friendly against Montpellier

The third warm-up match for Paris Saint-Germain's women's team pitted the Rouge et Bleu against Montpellier Hérault Sporting Club at the Stade Philippe Mahut in Fontainebleau. Boosted by the return of a number of international players at the start of the week, Paris faced a Montpellier side also in the midst of its preparations. MHSC, the historic Arkema D1 side, are coming off a fine season, finishing 5th in the league last year.

Gérard Prêcheur once again fielded a 3-5-2 formation with Katarzyna Kiedrzynek in goal. In defence was Jade Le Guilly, accompanied by Thiniba Samoura and new recruit Aïssatou Tounkara. Nicole Payne and Tara Elimbi occupied the flanks, while Korbin Albert, Ana Vitoria and Laurina Fazer played in midfield. Finally, the attack was made up of Sandy Baltimore, once again captain, and Amalie Vangsgaard, back at the start of the week.

After a fictional kick-off by 1998 world champion Lilian Thuram, the match got underway. Right from the start, the ball was going to both sides of the pitch. The first big chance came from the Hérault side, but that was denied by the Parisians' solid defence. Thanks to their speed on the wings, the Rouge et Bleu initiated a number of counter-attacks. In the 25th minute, Paris had the best chance of the game when Korbin Albert created a chance in the opposition penalty area, getting the better of a number of defenders but failing in the end. In midfield, the return of Laurina Fazer was a big boost. Ana Vitoria won a well-placed free-kick at the end of the half and Sandy Baltimore laid the ball on to the head of Aïssatou Tounkara, who went close to scoring the first goal of the match.

In the second half, both teams showed a lot of intensity. Montpellier went on the offensive at the start of the second half, with Levasseur's shot being well saved by Katarzyna Kiedrzynek. Gérard Prêcheur then made a number of changes: Manssita Traoré, Hawa Sangaré, Magnaba Folquet, Naolia Traoré and Océane Hurtré all came on. Playing in a 4-3-3 formation, the Parisians were able to find more space. The first good chance fell to Sangaré, who was set up by Fazer (70'), but the goalkeeper saved. The last chance came when Laurina Fazer took a free-kick from 30 metres out, only for it to land in the arms of the goalkeeper. The result was a goalless draw between Paris and Montpellier.

From now on, the Parisians can turn their attention to the AMOS Women's French Cup. Paris Saint-Germain's women's section travel to Colomiers (Haute-Garonne) on Sunday for an international tournament. The Rouge et Bleu will face Liverpool in the semi-finals. Depending on the outcome of that match, Paris will face either AC Milan or Atlético Madrid. It's a great way to end their preparations, before returning to the competition on 10 September for the Trophée des Championnes against Olympique Lyonnais.