PSG recorded their second consecutive win courtesy of a 3-2 triumph away to Valenciennes in Week 3 of Ligue 1.
Despite the return of their former coach Antoine Kombouaré in the North, the Valenciennes players had no intentions of making life easy for PSG. It was clear from the outset as Philippe Montanier’s side made the early running. Ben Khalfallah (8’) and Cohade (10’) tried to catch out Coupet, but without success. Les Parisiens decided to go on the attack with an Erding header (22’) and a Luyindula shot (32’) from the edge of the box, stating the visitors’ intentions.
The Parisians got the upper hand in midfield. Clément played the ball to Luyindula who, back to goal, combined with Erding before the former Lyon striker beat N’Dy Assembé to open the scoring (0-1, 35’)! Paris continued to take the game to their hosts and Erding saw his effort turned behind (36’) with a chance to make it 2-0.
VAFC responded after the break and had two clear cut chances to equalise through their midfielder Danic. He drew a fine save from Coupet (47’), before setting up Sanchez with a neat cut-back, only for Coupet to produce another save (50’). But the capital club didn’t crack and after two mistakes from Bong and then N’Dy Assembé, Erding doubled the advantage (0-2, 56’)! Just when the game seemed in the bag, Tiéné sent a stunning free-kick flying into Coupet’s top corner (1-2, 58’) !
The sting went out of proceedings and it was substitute Christophe Jallet who gave the visitors their second wind. Released by Sessegnon, the former Lorient full-back broke into the area and unleashed a powerful drive (1-3, 84’). This time there was no doubt, PSG was headed for the win. But Rudy Mater didn’t agree and raided down the right wing before sending a missile crashing home of the underside of Coupet’s crossbar (2-3, 90’)!
The referee finally called an end to proceedings and PSG remains undefeated this season and climbs another place in the standings. Can the capital club keep up their charge? Find out next week at the Parc des Princes against Lille...
