Paris beat Manchester United to reach the UEFA Women's Champions League!

News

Paris Saint-Germain beat Manchester United 3-1 in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Women's Champions League on Wednesday 18 October at the Parc des Princes. Take a look back at this thrilling European qualifier.

A week after the hard-fought 1-1 first-leg draw away to the English side, Paris Saint-Germain returned to the Parc des Princes to continue their bid to reach the continent's most prestigious club competition: the UEFA Women's Champions League. And for this return leg of the second qualifying round, the objective was clear for Les Rouge et Bleu: to emerge victorious from the encounter and secure a ticket back to the main phase of the competition.

For this decisive match, Jocelyn Prêcheur fielded a central defence comprising Jade Le Guilly, Elisa De Almeida and Clare Hunt to protect the goal - occupied by goalkeeper Katarzyna Kiedrzynek. Sakina Karchaoui played on the left flank and Sandy Baltimore on the opposite side, while in midfield, Korbin Albert was once again positioned in front of the defence, supported by Jackie Groenen and captain Grace Geyoro just in front of her. Up front, the Parisians lined up with Lieke Martens and Tabitha Chawinga.

The start of the match was more in the Parisians' favour, as they put their foot on the ball more than their English counterparts. Les Rouge et Bleu also looked dangerous in the first half, when Clare Hunt played a long ball downfield to Tabitha Chawinga. The Parisian striker managed to beat the goalkeeper but saw her shot saved by Maya Le Tissier.

Sakina Karchaoui and her team-mates did not flinch, however, and were back in front of goal a few minutes later. Once again, Chawinga made a fine run down the left before bursting into the area and firing a shot that was parried by Mary Earps. Lieke Martens followed up well, however, and slotted home with her right foot to open the scoring (1-0, 18'). The Parisians won the duels in the middle of the park, positioned themselves high up the pitch and continued to dominate the match against a Manchester United side that had been all but powerless in the first half.

But in the second half, the Red Devils responded, Lisa Naalsund equalising with her right foot after receiving a low cross barely a minute after the re-start (1-1, 46'). But a minute was all it took for the capital club to regain their lead, Chawinga again sent clear down the flank, using her speed to feed Martens, who scored with from close range to make it a double (2-1, 48').

And the celebrations were not over at the Parc des Princes, as Sandy Baltimore also scored, after a remarkable solo run. The French international finished off the move with a superb lob from the tightest of angles that left the visiting 'keeper no hope (3-1, 57'). Clinical in attack, the Parisians could also rely on their last line of defence to preserve their lead. Katarzyna Kiedrzynek made two important saves to deny Hannah Blundell's effort and then Katie Zelem's direct free-kick.

Spurred on by the home crowd, the capital club's players controlled their game right through to the final whistle. Paris Saint-Germain beat Manchester United 3-1 to qualify for the main phase of the UEFA Women's Champions League for the 11th time in their history!

The Parisians can now turn their attention back to the league and a trip to take on LOSC in the north of France in Arkema D1 Round 5. The game takes place on Saturday 21 October, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00 at Lille's Stadium 2 sports complex.