Parisian derby ends in draw
Fabrice Abriel's side were held in check by Paris FC as the pair played out a goalless draw in Saturday's top-flight encounter.
It was a crucial game for our Red-and-Blues (2nd, 38 points) with their opponents hot on their heels (3rd, 37 points). Fabrice Abriel had told PSG TV earlier in the week that it was an opportunity to "evaluate ourselves at this stage of the season", and so it proved .
Both teams have won in the Coupe de France last week, so arrived at the PSG Campus in good form and spirits.
The Paris Saint-Germain coach decided to line up in a 4-3-3 with Mary Earps in goal and the experienced centre-back duo of Elisa De Almeida and Griedge Mbock. Tara Elimbi-Gilbert and Crystal Dunn were the full-backs with Grace Geyoro, Jackie Groenen (captain) and Korbin Albert as a midfield three. Romée Leuchter was up front through the middle with help from Merveille Kanjinga, who was making her first league start, on the left wing and Sakina Karchaoui on the right.
Paris FC settled into the match quicker than the hosts, but didn't really pose a goal threat. The Rouge-et-Bleu then gained the upper hand with Elimbi Gilbert (18') forcing the first save of note. It did take a fantastic De Almeida challenge to stop a potentially damaging attack (29') before Karchaoui smashed a shot off the crossbar from a Kanjinga cross as the sides went in at the break goalless.
Leuchter flashed a dangerous ball across goal (57') before she was replaced by Joe Echegini (62'). Marie-Antoinette Katoto then came on for Albert (77'), and Kanjinga forced a late corner with a great burst down the right (90+1'), but Paris were not able to make the breakthrough.
COMING UP
The duo meet again on 3 May in the Coupe de France final in Calais. First though, the Parisians head to Guingamp on Friday (9pm) for their next league encounter.