After two defeats against Wolfsburg and Real Madrid in the first two matchdays of the competition, the Parisian women were keen to return to winning ways on the European stage against Manchester United, who already had two victories under their belt.
It was a very special occasion for Mary Earps, who started in goal, having arrived from Manchester United when she joined PSG two years ago. Isabela was also experiencing a special moment, her first Champions League match since arriving in Europe. Mbock and De Almeida played in central defence, with Carmona on the left, behind a midfield trio of Groenen, Kachaoui and Ebayilin, and an attacking line featuring Ajibade, Echegini and the relentless Romée Leuchter.
Joe Echegini was the first to get the nerves going at Old Trafford with a powerful long-range shot that hit Middleton-Patel's left post before rolling inwards without crossing the line (2'). The tone was set, and the match was underway! Paulo César's players continued to look dangerous, with Carmona breaking down the wing and trying to find Leuchter, who was just a little too short to get on the end of it (8').
Les Rouge et Bleue were playing well, but they were caught off guard on the counterattack by a team that had been sitting back at first, only to strike when the opportunity arose. Malard broke away and held off Mbock before opening up her left foot to beat Earps, putting Manchester United ahead against the run of play (1-0, 32'). The Parisians reacted quickly and looked dangerous again, with a powerful cross from De Almeida, but Le Tissier threw herself in front of it and cleared the danger as best she could (35').
The Parisian women were unlucky at the very end of the half, with the ball missing the target three times in quick succession after a corner won by Ajibade (45'). They were finally rewarded with a superb goal from Carmona, the Spanish international opened her Parisian scoring account with an exceptional strike, finding the top corner to bring Paris back into the game at the best possible moment (1-1, 45+2).
Looking to capitalise on this momentum, the Parisiennes came out in full force, forcing Middleton-Patel into a crucial save early on in the second half (47'). However, it was the home side who regained the lead, once again against the run of play, as the visitors looked solid and rarely looked in danger. Just before the hour mark, Rolfö scored with a header from a cross from the left, beating Earps (2-1, 58').
The players from the capital club pushed hard to get back into the game, with Paulo César putting his tactics into action, but the Mancunians were well organised and left no space. The game was locked, with a series of duels and increasingly physical battles. The Rouge et Bleue couldn't find a way through and lost by the smallest of margins, despite deserving so much better.
Halfway through the league phase, it will be time to step up the pace, with Bayern Munich visiting the Parc des Princes next Thursday. This match will be crucial for the Parisian women's European future, and they will need all your support!