Two weeks after their fine victory against Fleury (4–0) at the PSG Campus on Matchday 7, the Parisian players returned to league action with a clear objective: to get back on track in order to consolidate their second place in the Arkéma Première Ligue. To achieve this, Paulo César’s players needed to get the better of AS Saint-Étienne, currently 11th and the first team in the relegation zone.
A few days after hosting Bayern Munich, the Brazilian coach decided to rely on the depth of his squad and made several changes for this clash in the Forez. Thiniba Samoura and Eva Gaetino returned in defence, forming a central trio with Griedge Mbock in front of goalkeeper Mary Earps. Olga Carmona and Isabela occupied the wings as wing-backs, providing support to a midfield made up of Yaya, Jackie Groenen, and Sakina Karchaoui. Finally, Joe Echegini and Romée Leuchter retained their spots to complete the starting eleven.
This match up between Paris and Saint-Étienne kicked off at a good pace in a Salif Keita Stadium filled with more than 2,000 supporters. The home fans were nevertheless stunned right from the start by Paulo César’s players. With their first chance, the club from the capital managed to find the back of the net thanks to a superb piece of play from Sakina Karchaoui. Perfectly picked out by a long pass from Thiniba Samoura from her own half, the Paris captain carried the ball to the right side of the box before unleashing a clean right-footed strike from a tight angle, allowing Paris to quickly take control of the match (0–1, 6’).
The Rouge et Bleu did not rest on their lead, increasing their intensity as they pushed to widen the gap. Caught off guard early, Alice Pinguet remained alert to deny attempts from Romée Leuchter (18’) and Olga Carmona (32’), keeping her team in the game. Although they struggled to develop their play, the Saint-Étienne players showed determination and created several opportunities, the most dangerous coming just minutes before half-time on a tricky cross-shot that Mary Earps managed to deflect at the very last moment (40’).
However, it was our Parisian players who punished Saint-Étienne’s lack of precision. Brought down in the box, Olga Carmona earned a penalty and left Romée Leuchter to take responsibility. The Rouge et Bleu striker showed no hesitation as she scored her seventh goal of the season, further strengthening her lead at the top of the scoring chart (0–2, 45’). Things became even more complicated for Saint-Étienne, who were reduced to ten players shortly afterward following Alexandria Lamontagne’s red card.
With a numerical advantage and a two-goal lead, Paulo César’s players began the second half in a strong position, but they still had to remain cautious, as Saint-Étienne had not given up. After several incursions into the box, the Greens capitalised on a handball by Elisa De Almeida—who had come on at half-time in place of Griedge Mbock—to pull one back through a penalty converted by Laura Hermann (2–1, 58’).
There was nothing to shake the mentality of our Rouge et Bleu, who maintained a resolutely attacking mindset in the final half hour of play. Paulo César decided to bring in fresh legs to try to restore a two-goal lead, and so Merveille Kanjinga and Tara Elimbi Gilbert came on to replace Olga Carmona and Yaya. The solution could have come from another moment of brilliance by Leuchter, who unfortunately struck the crossbar after a magnificent effort from outside the box (69’).
Moments later, Merveille Kanjinga made use of her freshness to beat the Saint-Étienne goalkeeper to the ball before attempting her chance from 25 meters, though she lacked the precision and power needed to make it count (70’). Ultimately, it was as a provider that the Paris striker made the difference. Once again from the left flank, Kanjinga delivered a waist-high cross to Isabela who, left completely unmarked, scored with a fine diving header (1–3, 80’). A well-deserved reward for her, as she had seen a goal disallowed just minutes earlier for offside.
Relentless until the end, the Parisian players secured their victory with a fourth goal scored by Joe Echegini deep into added time (1–4, 90+5’). A well-deserved win in the Forez, allowing the Rouge et Bleu to strengthen their second place in the Arkéma Première Ligue, maintaining a three-point lead over Paris FC. Next appointment: 5 December for Paulo César’s players, who will look to continue their strong run in the league when they travel to Marseille.
