Parisians dominate AS Roma to bounce back

A few days after a last-minute 1-1 draw away to Le Havre AC in the D1 Arkema, Paris Saint-Germain returned to the Parc des Princes to take part in the most prestigious of competitions: the UEFA Women's Champions League. After two defeats to Ajax (2-0) and Bayern Munich (0-1), the aim for the Rouge et Bleu was to pick up a first win in the competition to get back into the race for qualification.

To try and topple the unbeaten leaders of the Italian league, Jocelyn Prêcheur fielded a central defence consisting of Elisa De Almeida, Clare Hunt and Thiniba Samoura in front of Katarzyna Kiedrzynek in goal. At wing-back were Sakina Karchaoui on the left flank and Jade Le Guilly on the opposite flank. In midfield, captain Grace Geyoro was joined by Korbin Albert, with Lieke Martens in front in the playmaker's role. In attack, the indispensable Tabitha Chawinga played alongside Marie-Antoinette Katoto.

In an even start to the game, the visitors were the first to look dangerous, but Katarzyna Kiedrzynek kept out Lucia Di Guglielmo's elusive cross with both fists as it flew just wide of her goal (6'). Ten minutes later, Manuela Giugliano's free-kick flew just over the Red and Blue crossbar (15'). But the most dangerous chance came for Paris when Lieke Martens picked up the ball in the box before cutting inside to take a shot at goal: Camelia Caesar was well placed to turn the Dutch striker's effort away (18').

The capital club were finding their rhythm, and again came close to opening the scoring when Marie-Antoinette Katoto acrobatically shot over from a tight angle after Sakina Karchaoui had made a good run down the left flank (22'). But the Roma rearguard, which has only conceded eight goals in 12 matches this season, remained resistant to the Parisians' attacks. As the first half wore on, the Red and Blues took control of the game, but were struggling to find a way through a solid and disciplined Italian side. That was until Katoto won a penalty, which Grace Geyoro converted just before half-time (1-0, 45').

Thanks to the goal, the Parisians picked up where they left off in the second half. Grace Geyoro was on fire, and she made a run in behind to break into the opposition box from the right and pass to Katoto, who doubled the lead from close range (2-0, 47'). That was enough to wake Roma up, and they had the chance to reduce the deficit from the penalty spot a few minutes later (52'). But Kiedrzynek stepped up for the Parisians, diving to her right to turn away Giugliano's shot and keep the ball out. Unfortunately, the Parisian keeper could then do nothing to stop Valentina Giacinti, who got the visiting team back into the game with a left-footed strike (2-1, 57').

Despite conceding a goal, the capital club never wavered, with Thiniba Samoura dominating in defence (73'). Paris remained in control until the final quarter of an hour, when the visiting team decided to step up the tempo in a bid to get back on level terms. Jocelyn Prêcheur's players took turns to protect their goal against the Roman attack: first Karchaoui (80'), then Jade Le Guilly a few moments later (83') and finally Elisa De Almeida (87'). It was a collective effort that paid off in the end, as Paris Saint-Germain managed to hold on to their lead and beat AS Roma 2-1. 

The Parisians must now turn their attention back to the league and a short trip to the Stade Charléty to take on Paris FC this Sunday. The match is part of Matchday 11 of the D1 Arkema and kick-off is scheduled for 9pm.

🙌 C'est terminé au Parc des Princes, nos Parisiennes s'imposent 2-1 face à l'AS Rome ! 🔴🔵

⚽️ @GraceGeyoro 44'
⚽️ @MarieKatoto 47' #PSGASR 2️⃣-1️⃣ | #UWCL pic.twitter.com/h4a312Nm9o

— PSG Féminines (@PSG_Feminines) December 14, 2023