Ashley Lawrence, Marie-Antoinette Katoto and all the Parisiennes savor their amazing qualification for the semi-finals of the Champions League. JEFF PACHOUD – AFP
- Conquerors as rarely, this Sunday at Parc OL (1-2), the Parisians have eliminated the five-time reigning European champions and will face Barça in the semi-finals.
- If Olivier Echouafni wanted to play it modest after this “feat” in the Champions League, PSG can legitimately aspire to no longer remain in the shadow of OL.
- On May 29, Paris will also have a unique opportunity to become champion of France for the first time in its history, on the occasion of a near-final of D1 in Lyon.
At Parc OL,
Two French Cups won in 2010 and 2018. Despite an obvious rise in power since the beginning of the Qatari era, the record of the entire history of women’s PSG comes down to these two trophies, looking like crumbs left in the way by these greedy Lyonnaises. Because Paris had to be satisfied at the same time with eight “titles” of vice-champion, as well as four finals of the Coupe de France, and even a final of the Champions League (2017), each time in the shadow of a Lyon conquest.
So this Sunday, shortly before 4 p.m., at the end of an exciting quarter-final return of the Champions League at Parc OL (1-2), all the Parisian players howled their rage, after so many years of frustrations in the role of the deserving foil making the gang at Wendie Renard always better. Yes, the PSG had already won a round of 16 of C1 back and forth against Lyon (1-1, 0-1), in 2014-2015.
“I think the qualification is really deserved”
But this OL had not started its crazy series of five consecutive European coronations (from 2016 to 2020). And above all, the PSG then led by Farid Benstiti had signed a perfect hold-up, before failing in the final of the event against Frankfurt (1-2). There, even if the Covid-19 had an undeniable impact on this double confrontation, Olivier Echouafni’s group dominated the first leg, and even more the return. And he will clearly have his say from April 25 and May 2 in the semifinals, against Barça.
“It’s a great performance from the girls who have shown self-sacrifice and courage,” savors Olivier Echouafni. Everyone is very proud. We didn’t panic after the complicated start to the match. I think the qualification is really deserved in view of the two games. “Impossible to prove him wrong, especially in view of the permanent danger constituted by the offensive trio Baltimore-Diani-Katoto, or the slaughter in the middle of Grace Geyoro, author who is moreover of the amazing equalization this Sunday (1-1 , 24th).
“We are not going to say that we pass in front of OL”
“We always believed that we could score, even after taking this goal [de Catarina Macario dès la 4e minute], confirms Canadian side Ashley Lawrence. We showed a lot of character, always having qualification in mind. PSG has never released such collective strength. On May 29, the current surprise leader of the D1, with a point ahead of OL, could even validate his first title of champion of France in this same stadium, preventing a 15th crowning of the rival Lyon.
“Getting out of the title holders is no small feat,” recognizes Olivier Echouafni. But we’re not going to say we’re going past them. We have a lot of humility and respect for this great team. We continue to grow, to gain experience and maturity. Being capable of the feat of winning in this stadium for the first time is just one more step. It is perhaps that of the trigger for this group in search of light.