They had been waiting for this for almost three months and the success against Annecy (2-1) on January 13. Paris FC supporters were finally able to celebrate a victory at Charléty after a defeat (Dunkirk), two draws (Pau, Saint-Étienne) and a forced relocation to Caen (victory against AC Ajaccio). Paris FC made a winning return to their stadium by overthrowing Grenoble in the second half (2-1)
Deemed "correct" before the match, Charléty's pitch held up during these 98 minutes (including added time). This is rather good news for this end of the season which promises to be thrilling and with high stakes. Because thanks to this 9th match in a row without defeat (3 wins, 6 draws), Paris FC climbs back to 6th place and is only one point behind Rodez and the Top 5.
The objective of competing in the accession play-offs as in 2019, 2021 and 2022, is getting closer for this team, which, it must not be forgotten, only had 7 points after ten days and had to face numerous contrary elements (relocations, unworthy pitch, cascade of injuries, etc.)
Stéphane Gilli had decided to renew the same eleven and the same system (4-4-2) as in Bordeaux. Although it was a long time coming, the victory seems more than deserved given the Parisians' control over the match (67% possession, 18 shots).
Interestingly, it is also the first time this season that Paris FC has managed to win a match after conceding the opener. “It’s something new for us,” smiles Stéphane Gilli. But it shows that this team has character, which I had no doubt about. She has often shown self-sacrifice and today she is rightly rewarded. In the first half, we lacked patience. I was upset and a little angry to concede a goal from a throw-in. When you want to have ambitions, you can't afford it. Some things had to be rectified. And we scored two great goals of character…”
Grenoble managed to score on its only foray of the first half (0-1, 24th) marked by 75% possession for the Parisians. But after missing a lot, the PFC made the difference thanks to two headers in the second half and two assists from Ilan Kebbbal who brought his total to 9.
The little prince of Charléty first allows Ayoub Jabbari, 7th match and 3rd start this season, to equalize (1-1, 64th). The 24-year-old Moroccan striker, who initially came for the reserve (R1) and who will soon sign pro, scored the first goal of his career in L2. After Jabbari's equalizer, it was Yves Dabila, well launched, who took advantage of Kebbal's offering (2-1, 76th). It's the second goal of the season for the ex-Lille player, converted to right back since Sofiane Alakouch's cruciate ligaments ruptured, a task that he fulfills rather very well. The only downside is the injury exit of Samir Chergui (calf).
“We will have to think about recovering well to go to Troyes because we have a lot of injuries and the end of the season promises to be intense, admits Stéphane Gilli. But the strength of a group is when those returning perform well and give their all. It's a good operation but we don't really look at other people's results. To perform, we must already think about ourselves, about our game. We were really happy to come back home to Charléty. The pitch is in good condition and it's always good to play in front of a great atmosphere. We hope that there will be even more people to come and encourage us, it's important in the race for the playoffs. With us, it’s free and there are often goals…”
Match sheet
PARIS FC - GRENOBLE 2-1 (0-1)
Spectators: 5,235.
Referee: Mr. Lesage.
Goals. Paris FC: Jabbari (61st), Dabila (76th); Grenoble: Mbemba (24th).
Warnings. Grenoble: Nestor (44th), Pasquiez (90th + 5).
Paris FC: Nkambadio - Dabila, Chergui (Kolodziejczak, 46th), Mbow, Gaudin (Ollila, 89th) - Mandouki (cap.), Doucet (Lukembila, 67th), Camara, Kebbal - Dicko (Diaby Fadiga, 79th), Jabbari ( Touré, 79th). Enter. : Gilli.