The new format of D1 Arkema almost proved fatal for the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) players. Second of the season, PSG qualified with difficulty for the championship final by beating Paris FC (PFC) on penalties, Saturday May 11, during the first playoff semi-final set up this season to spice up the competition.
Marie-Antoinette Katoto’s partners will face in the final, next Friday, the players of Olympique Lyonnais, first in the regular season, or Reims, surprise guest of these playoffs, opposed Sunday to Lyon, from 5 p.m.
In its lair of the Parc des Princes, it was tough for Paris Saint-Germain, despite being favorites, who chased the score and for a long time came up against the PFC goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, the best player of the match. Her teammates had, against the run of play, opened the scoring in the first period thanks to Clara Matéo, offside at the start of the action, but taking advantage of an error by PSG goalkeeper, Katarzyna Kiedrzynek (1-0, 36e).
Returning from the locker room, PSG captain Grace Gayoro tied the two teams from the penalty spot, after a foul in the area by defender Julie Soyer on Sakina Karchaoui (1-1, 52e).
Immediately afterwards, taking advantage of a relaxation of the PSG players, Daphné Corboz gave the advantage back to the PFC (2-1, 56e), but Marie-Antoinette Katoto, with a header, brought the score back a second time after a cross from Sandy Baltimore (2-2, 72e).
PSG in the race for the Cup-championship double
In added time, Kessya Bussy, who entered the game and served by Mathilde Bourdieu, benefited from a match point, against, for the PFC, but the attacker came up against Kiedrzynek (90+4), then it is Nnadozie, elected best goalkeeper of the season at the end of April, who once again saved her partners with a double save after a strike from Katoto, followed by an attempt from Gayoro (90+8).
Tied at the end of regulation time, PSG and PFC, who finished third in the season, were decided directly on penalties, without going through extra time. And the Polish goalkeeper of PSG made up for her initial error by diverting Mathilde Bourdieu’s attempt, the only failure of the session (5 shots on goal to 4 for PSG).
Winner of the Coupe de France last week, PSG will have the opportunity to achieve the double next Friday, in Lyon if OL qualify, at the Parc des Princes if Reims passes.
PSG is already qualified for the next Champions League. The PFC can still hope to compete in the European Cup as well, through preliminary rounds, provided they win the small final of the French championship, also next Friday.