The PSG women came up against Manchester United (1-1) and Melvine Malard, the French striker on loan from OL, on Tuesday in the second preliminary round of the Champions League, and will have to fight in a week to avoid major disappointment .
The capital club, quarter-finalist of the last edition, was shaken in the north of England by a team new to the competition, without a big star except Mary Earps, the goalkeeper of the English selection finalist of the last World Cup. But it was French international Melvine Malard (23), on loan from national rival Olympique Lyonnais, who dashed PSG’s hopes of qualification by equalizing, just four minutes after coming into play (70th, 1-1) .
With this result, the door to the group stage no longer appears as open as it was for the French favorites.
Manchester offensive
Dominant in the first period, PSG had their rank respected thanks to Malawian attacker Tabitha Chawinga (53rd, 1-0), well served over the defense by Sandy Baltimore. But the team led by Jocelyn Prêcheur then lost control of the game, suffering repeated attacks from the English women pumped up in front of their audience.
The Mancuniennes coach, Marc Skinner, indeed opted for ambitious choices in the second half, notably with the entry of Geyse, European champion last season with FC Barcelona. The equalizer came from another rookie and another newcomer, Malard, more lively and determined than the Parisian defense to place his header following a corner.
The two teams will play a decisive return leg in a week, on October 18 at the Parc des Princes, to decide between them. Not playing in the Champions League would be a huge disappointment for captain Grace Geyoro and her teammates, regular players in the big European club cup.