Paris and Montpellier share the spoils

Throughout a season, the fixture list often throws up some surprises. Less than a week after the victory at Montpellier in the Coupe de France (3-1), the Paris Saint-Germain Women’s team were back in action against the same side and this time it was at home, where they haven’t conceded a goal this season. It was the perfect opportunity for Didier Ollé-Nicolle to start with an impressive starting eleven, with a Bachmann-Katoto-Diani trio leading the line.

The first half was fast-paced and competitive. The visitors had an early chance, before our Rouge et Bleu stepped up their pressing in order to snuff out Montpellier’s enthusiasm. This saw a series of chances for the hosts: from Ramona Bachmann (10’) to Luana (24’) - and equally chances for Marie-Antoinette Katoto (12’) and Kadidiatou Diani (22’).

Didier Ollé-Nicolle’s side were fluid in possession, and didn’t hesitate to opt for a more direct style in order to exploit the space in behind the Montpellier defence. An impressive tactical battle ensued, with neither side able to break the deadlock.

Neither team intended to take their foot off the pedal in the second half. But the hosts would need to up their creativity in order to find a way past Montpellier. Sara Däbritz (53’), then Luana (57’) tried their luck from distance. Didier Ollé-Nicolle sent on Kheira Hamraoui to replace Paulina Dudek (20’), and then also brought on the lively Sandy Baltimore in order to add an extra something on the left wing. 

The forward tried to make the breakthrough, in the same way as the Diani-Katoto duo (58’, 68’, 70’, 75’), but our Parisiennes lacked a little luck with the final pass. Despite an electric final quarter of an hour, neither side managed to find the back of the net. 

At the end of a match that Les Parisiennes dominated both in terms of possession and shots, they ensured that they extended their unbeaten run to 14 matches across all competitions. They will be back in action at home next Friday when they face Soyaux.