Parisians beat Strasbourg at La Meinau

After two disappointing performances in their last two league outings against Fleury (0-0) and Lyon (0-2), the Parisians returned to the Arkéma Première Ligue on Saturday. Fabrice Abriel's side faced a trip to the Stade de la Meinau. Against the newly-promoted Strasbourg outfit, the aim was clear: to get back to winning ways and move to within one point of Paris FC, who had beaten Stade de Reims earlier in the day.

Fabrice Abriel went for a 4-3-3 formation. The duo of Elisa De Almeida and Paulina Dudek were in a pairing in front of the goal guarded by Mary Earps, while the flanks were occupied by Jade Le Guilly and Tara Elimbi Gilbert. In midfield, Onyi Echegini supported Grace Geyoro and Korbin Albert. Naolia Traoré and Sakina Karchaoui were out wide with Romée Leuchter starting as the central striker for Paris.

In a fast-paced start to the game, the Parisians were quick to show their ambitions. With complete control of the ball and an attractive combination of attacking play both in the centre and on the flanks, the visitors were looking dangerous. The first chance to scare the capacity crowd at La Meinau came shortly after the quarter-hour mark. Romée Leuchter got on the end of Onyi Echegini's well-struck pass to test the Alsatian goalkeeper, who remained solid on her feet (17'). A first warning for the promoted side.

As the minutes went by, the pressure applied by the Rouge et Bleu became more and more constant. Played through by Grace Geyoro on the right flank, Naolia Traoré cut inside before sending in a cross that found nobody (29'). But these efforts were not in vain for long. The Parisians stepped up their efforts and soon broke the Strasbourg deadlock. Onyi Echegini won the ball back after another well-executed press, and sent Romée Leuchter in behind. One-on-one with Manon Wahl, the Dutch international made no mistake and opened the scoring with a clinical strike (0-1, 44').

So the capital club went into the break with a narrow advantage. There was no slowing down the pace in the second half for the Parisians, who were looking inspired at La Meinau. Romée Leuchter went close to doubling her tally shortly after the hour mark, only to see her effort well saved by the Strasbourg goalkeeper (62'). The Parisian No17 then put an end to the home side's hopes with an assist. From a corner that the Dutchwoman sent in at the near post, Laurine Hannequin's clumsy header beat her own goalkeeper (0-2, 64').

The goal allowed the Parisians to enjoy the final half-hour with greater peace of mind. In control at the end of the match, the capital club kept possession of the ball. But pushed on by a capacity crowd, Strasbourg were not ready to give up. Fighting with all their weapons, the Alsatians managed to get one back in the dying moments of the match. From a floated corner, Emily Evels passed it on to Liana Joseph, who was on hand to rekindle hopes at La Meinau (1-2, 90'+3). This hope was short-lived, however, as the Parisians kept their composure in the final minutes to claim another well-deserved win.

next game

Now it's on to the Coupe de France for Fabrice Abriel's side. Paris travel to second-tier Le Mans next Friday in the quarter-finals of the competition.