Paris Saint-Germain Féminine faces an uphill battle for the Division 1 Féminine title after a 1-1 draw at home against Montpellier HSC. The result drops PSG five points behind league-leaders Olympique Lyonnais Féminin.
Going into the match, PSG knew they were in for a difficult match against fourth-place Montpellier as head coach Olivier Echouafni discussed at his pre-match press conference as reported by Le Parisien.
“Montpellier is a direct contender for qualifying in the Champions League, and we must distance ourselves. If you want to win the title, you can not lose points on the road. It’s going to be a real test.”
Echouafni was spot on with his assessment of Montpellier. Ashley Lawrence (who was recently named Canadian Player of the Year) scored PSG’s first goal of the match right before the half to give Les Parisiens the 1-0 lead. The goal would, unfortunately, be canceled out via Grace Geyoro’s own-goal in the 69th minute right as PSG was pushing for a second of their own to secure the three points. Last-minute heroics never came for PSG and the match ultimately finished a disappointing 1-1.
The following day, Lyon trashed FC Metz by a score of 6-0 and extended their lead in the French league.
A quick look at the table shows PSG five points behind Lyon and only two points in front of Girondins de Bordeaux. For PSG to win the league, they’ll need a surprise loss or draw from Lyon before they host OL in March where the league title could ultimately be decided.
Division 1 Féminine has two UEFA Women’s Champions League spots and it’s important that PSG maintains their current place at the minimum. Increasing their lead over third-place Bordeaux by more than two points should be a priority. In this season’s Champions League campaign, PSG is in the quarter-finals of the tournament and they face Arsenal FC on March 25.
Unfortunately for PSG, they will likely have to go the rest of the season without star midfielder Sara Däbritz who ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament against Montpellier.
Up next for PSG is the Paris derby against Paris FC on Sunday, December 15.
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