Unlucky Paris lose to Lyon

After an encouraging preseason, Paris Saint-Germain were back in competitive action this weekend with the first official match of this 2022-23 campaign: a gala encounter against their rivals Lyon. Gérard Prêcheur selected an audacious starting XI, featuring an attacking quartet combining speed and skill with Kadidiatou Diani leading the line, while Grace Geyoro and Elisa De Almeida set the tone in midfield.

It didn't take long to see that this Classique between the two best teams in France was going to be a fierce battle. The first tackles quickly set the tone. The two sides were ready to exploit the slightest mistake and the match was played at a high tempo.

Yet, despite their positive intentions, our Parisians were caught cold by a Lyon side that took their chance early.Van de Donk was on hand to turn home after Lydia Williams had saved Cascarino's initial effort (1-0, 13'). But there was no need for the Rouge et Bleu to panic. The club from the capital went in search of an equaliser, but former Paris goalkeeper Christiane Endler proved equal to Sandy Baltimore's powerful shot on the half-hour mark. The Parisians were right in the contest.

The second half continued at the same pace, with great technical quality and some great football from both camps. Les Rouge et Bleus continued to make the running, notably thanks to good use of the flanks and the irrepressible Sakina Karchaoui, who was unstoppable on her left side. It was another break from the France international that saw her international teammate Diani go close to equalising with a shot on the turn (65').

At the other end, Lydia Williams made a good save to deny Cascarino (70') - and the Parisians threw everything they had into the final stages of the battle. But their efforts were in vain.

Despite an excellent team performance and an increased instensity after the break, the Paris Saint-Germain players were unable to unlock the Lyon defence in the Trophée des Champions. Attentions now turn to the start of the D1 Arkema 2022-23 season and a first home game against Soyaux, on 9 September.