So close, so far. This is the lesson offered by the 2022-2023 France championship to the women's section of PSG, who needed a victory this Sunday night against OL to win a second France championship title in three seasons. On the contrary, the defeat, conceded in the last moments on a goal of a former of the house, Signe Bruun (88th), is the first of the season. And it is cruel since it offers the Lyon armada a 16th title in 17 years, proof of an undivided domination. The suspense has therefore died even before the last day, next Saturday.
Grace Geyoro and her teammates deserved better this Sunday, in front of the 18,000 people gathered at the Parc des Princes. At least one draw, which would not have brought much more suspense but would have allowed, at least, to finish undefeated. But we said it: the summary of the season is a reflection of this match, the final of the France Cup last week and so many other moments. Paris was really not far from Lyon despite all the injuries (Katoto, Dudek, Diani...). It will have lacked this little extra success and a larger, better built workforce. Infuriating but promising.
The symbol of PSG's promise of the future is Laurina Fazer and Korbin Albert, both 19 years old. The midfielders, who entered after the hour mark, energized the game and allowed the Red and Blue to create their best chances. The young American, who arrived this winter, saw her attempt from the left, from the entrance of the surface, brush the skylight of Lyon (74th). A goal that would have allowed the Park to let its joy burst.
Courage and solidarity have their limits
Back from strike, the members of the Collectif Ultras Paris played their part throughout the match, leading the rest of the enclosure for the third match of the season between the gates of Auteuil and Saint-Cloud. Even if insults are never mandatory.
The first act, largely dominated by Lyon and Ballon d'Or winner Ada Hegerberg, left Parisian fans fearing the same scenario as in the final of the Coupe de France. But this time the Norwegian lacked efficiency. Bold on a lob attempt (3rd), she misses the frame shortly after a slide by Sarah Bouhaddi. The PSG goalkeeper reacted well by diverting a strike from the right of Hegerberg (10th) before remaining very vigilant on a header from Lyon (25th). The other defensive saves were signed Elisa de Almeida (17th) or Sakina Karchaoui (28th), who regaled the crowd with a miraculous return to the feet of Selma Bacha. Captain Garce Geyoro also had a high-flying performance.
Still deprived of Kadidiatou Diani, installed in the stands just like Marie-Antoinette Katoto or Hervé Renard, coach of the Blues, PSG took too long to create danger in the Lyon defense. Lieke Martens, revived by Preacher on this match, symbolizes this fact valid for months. Courage and solidarity also have their limits. There will be work this summer to bring something else.
PSG-OL : 0-1
Half-time: 0-0.
Attendance: 18,000.
Referee: Victoria Beyer.
Goals. OL: Bruun (88th)
Warnings. PSG: Karchaoui (90+2nd).
PSG: Bouhaddi – Lawrence, Geyoro (cap.), De Almeida, Karchaoui – Jean-François (Traoré, 83rd) Hamraoui, Groenen (Albert, 69th) – Baltimore, Bachmann, Martens (Fazer, 62nd) entr. :Preacher.
OL: Endler – Carpenter, Gilles, Renard (cap.), Morroni (Majri, 86th) – Van de Donk, Däbritz (Marozsan, 69th), Horan – Cascarino (Becho, 55th), Hegerberg (Bruun, 68th), Bacha. Man. : Bompastor.