Kiedrzynek - Isabela, Samoura, Dudek (Mbock, 61'), Elimbi Gilbert (Le Guilly, 46') - Echegini (Jourde, 83'), Osteras (Ebayilin, 61'), Karchaoui (c) - Ajibade, Leuchter (Morissaint, 61'), Feller.
Almost three weeks after securing their place in the league phase of Europe’s premier club competition with a 5–1 extra-time victory over Eintracht Frankfurt at the PSG Campus, the Parisian side, who have three wins from three in the Première Ligue, travelled to face Real Madrid, last season’s Spanish runners-up and currently second in La Liga with 10 points from four matches.
Having beaten AFC Ajax twice in the previous round (2–0 in the Netherlands, 2–1 in Spain), Real Madrid were also looking to build on their momentum and got off to a flying start when Arianna Caruso won the ball on the right-hand side of the box and delivered a powerful cross which Felicia Schröder met to open the scoring (1–0, 2’). Caught cold, Paulo César’s players quickly regrouped and, from a free-kick on the left, Sakina Karchaoui curled her cross towards Isabela, whose volley from six metres out missed the target by a hair’s breadth (10’). Following a corner, Jennifer Echegini tried her luck from the edge of the area but was blocked by Elisa Senss; she then regained possession and played in Rasheedat Ajibade, whose half-volley flew over the bar (16’).
The two Nigerians were lively and the latter next shot from 20 metres out but was denied by Merle Frohms (24’), as was her compatriot on two occasions (24’, 33’). While Schröder then came close to scoring a second but curled her shot wide (32’), the French side quickly regained the upper hand. Naomie Feller put too much power into her cross (35’), Tara Elimbi Gilbert shot over from 20 metres (44’) and Romée Leuchter saw her header saved by the German goalkeeper (45’).
After the break, Paulo César’s players continued in much the same vein; Feller playing in Ajibade, who missed the target (46’). But Las Blancas stepped up a gear and Linda Caicedo, well positioned in the box, was denied by Katarzyna Kiedrzynek (52’). Schröder evaded the Parisian defence on two occasions but fired wide with her first attempt (55’), struck the post with her second and then hit the follow up wide (58’).
Having come on a few minutes earlier, it was ultimately Léa Morissaint who made the difference by beating Maëlle Lakrar, who brought her down in the box (71’). The subsequent penalty was converted by Karchaoui with a low shot to the right (1–1, 74’)! The captain even came close to snatching victory in the dying moments of added time, but the final attempt of the match flew wide (90+4’). A very encouraging start for Les Rouge et Bleu, who will face Belgian side OH Leuven on Thursday 1 October at 21:00 CET at Campus PSG, on Matchday 2 of the league phase of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Sakina Karchaoui and Isabela celebrate the captain's equalising goal (77') that ensured Les Rouge et Bleu bring a point home from Real Madrid.
