After the narrow defeat against Real Madrid CF (1-2) on Thursday at the Campus PSG in the second group-stage match of the UEFA Women’s Champions League, the Rouge et Bleu, who sat in 4th place with 9 points at kick-off, headed to Alsace to bring their week to a close and take on Racing. For the encounter, Paulo César started with Mary Earps in goal, and a defence composed of Elisa De Almeida, Eva Gaetino and Tara Elimbi Gilbert. Jackie Groenen, Joe Echegini were in midfield alongside Yaya, who was making her debut, while Romée Leuchter led the attack, with Rasheedat Ajibade and Floriane Jourde on the wings.
In front 3500 spectators in the Meinau, the hosts looked dangerous early on and Inès Konan smashed a shot at goal, but Earps was able to turn it over her goal (10’). The English stopper was then called into action to prevent a Fatima Pinto header (12’). It was then time for the visitors to step up a gear and Echegini saw her blocked effort creep just past the goal (21’), then her shot was punched away by Manon Wahl (22’). From 20 metres out, Groenen tried her luck but the RCSA goalkeeper was able to catch easily (38’).
After the break, the club from the capital pushed on a little further. From a Leuchter corner, Ajibade connected with a header but it hit the bar (47’). The Nigerian then found Yaya whose strike missed the target (50’), before Isabela also went close (55’). As the minutes went by, Paris couldn’t find the breakthrough but eventually did. After coming on around the hour mark, Merveille Kanjinga found a way through, with a perfect strike from the edge of the box, following some smart play from Groenen and a perfect flick from Leuchter (0-1, 65’). The Congolese came close to doubling the lead, but Eseosa Aigbogun managed to scramble back to clear (83’).
Echegini smashed an effort at goal which Wahl pushed away, before Leuchter scored the rebound, but was flagged offside (90‘). Mama Diop fired the only Alsatian strike of the second half, but Earps was equal to it (90+1’). The score stayed as it was and Paulo César and his side climbed onto the podium, three points behind OL Lyonnes and behind Paris FC on goal difference.
It’s now time for the international break, with the players from the capital heading off to join up with their respective nations. They will be back in domestic competition with Matchday 6 of the Première Ligue on Saturday 1 November at 17:00 at the Campus PSG, with a clash against Havre AC, currently in 6th in the table with 8 points.
