Paris Saint-Germain share derby spoils with Paris FC
In a rollercoaster ride of a football match, Paris Saint-Germain drew 1-1 with Paris FC in round 21 of D1 Arkema on Wednesday.
Wednesday night saw a Paris derby between two clubs in the D1 Arkema top three go head to head with very clear ambitions. If defeat in Lyon last Saturday, in the first leg of the UEFA Women Champions League semi-finals, was cruel, it was important for the Parisians to bounce back. Coach Jocelyn Prêcheur reshuffled his starting eleven in order to preserve his key players for the UWCL return leg. No less than four players were given their first minutes in Rouge et Bleu: Oliwia Szperkowska in goal, Eden Le Guilly in defence, Landryna Lushimba in midfield and Fanny Rossi up front.
The first half began evenly, but it was Paris Saint-Germain who dominated the ball. PFC had their first clear-cut chance just before the quarter-hour, but Oliwia Szperkowska saved (12'). The Rouge et Bleu ‘keeper was called into action again a few minutes later, turning an effort onto the post before the ball was finally cleared (22'). But the visitors' third chance proved fatal, as Kessya Bussy found the back of the net (0-1, 30').
At the start of the second half, Paris made two changes, as Naolia Traore and Auryane Abdourahim replaced Amalie Vangsgaard and Lieke Mertens up front. The Rouge et Bleu created the better chances, but failed to hit the target, while the capital club's rearguard and Szperkowska held firm. With twenty minutes remaining, 16-year-old midfielder Anais Ebayilin scored her first professional goal to put Paris back on level terms (1-1, 71').
The PFC responded, but the Paris ‘keeper once again produced a superb save on her line (78th). The end of the match was marked by the dismissal of 16-year-old Auryane Abdourahim, who was shown the red card with just a few minutes remaining (89’). Despite being outnumbered, this very young Paris Saint-Germain team managed to hold out for a courageous draw.
Les Parisiennes now turn attentions back to the UEFA Women's Champions League against Olympique Lyonnais in the second leg of their semi-final at 16:00 CET, this Sunday. At the Parc des Princes, the capital club will be looking to complete an historic comeback and secure their ticket to the continental final!