We will only talk about that in the French team at the time of the gathering on Monday in Clairefontaine. In less than a month, PSG and OL, who have a total of 14 selected, will meet in the semi-final of the Champions League. As in 2016, 2020 and 2022, for three Lyon qualifications. A sororicidal duel which will offer France another final. Excellent news since, last year, neither of the two locomotives of French football managed to get past the quarter-finals…
But each season has its own truth. After OL’s brilliant qualification ahead of Benfica on Wednesday evening (4-1), PSG perfectly managed their return match against Häcken (3-0) this Thursday evening, in front of 11,674 spectators at the Parc des Princes. The first leg (2-1 victory in Sweden) had given the Parisians a good lead but they had to maintain their seriousness against the athletic and uninhibited Swedes. Especially in the absence of the injured (Groenen, Hunt, Martens) or suspended (Samoura).
The Parisiennes undefeated for 22 matches
Undefeated for 22 matches now, in all competitions, this Parisian team is full of resources. And a very special talent named Tabitha Chawinga. The 27-year-old Malawian is already the woman of the season and could become that of an entire club if the titles accumulate at the end of May. This Thursday again (24 goals in 25 starts), it was thanks to his left paw that coach Jocelyn Prêcheur was able to take a deep breath.
A first try from a tight angle (26th) stopped by the BK Häcken goalkeeper. Just enough to adjust the sights. The second attempt, a minute later, was the right one at the edge of the area on the left side. Post coming in and 1-0 for PSG which outrageously dominates the first act: Katarzyna Kiedrzynek did not have a save to make.
Albert a magnificent goal at the heart of controversies
Same scenario when returning from the locker room. Better ! With, first, an authentic “golazo”, as the Spanish say, signed Korbin Albert. The American midfielder, at the heart of accusations of homophobia during the day, did not seem perturbed when it came time to unleash a clear left shot from 25 meters into the top corner for the 2-0 (70th). Then, it’s time for the other immense talent of the Parisian attack: Marie-Antoinette Katoto.
After three duels lost against Jennifer Falk (11th, 50th, 62nd), the French striker, well found by Sakina Karchaoui, always the most applauded player, ended up deceiving the Swedish goalkeeper with a header (74th). Already qualified for the Coupe de France final, in the running for a national championship title, here PSG is in the Champions League semi-final for the seventh time in ten years.
All that remains, like the boys, is to obtain the Grail. On their way, the Parisiennes will have to get rid of their biggest rivals. See you on April 20 and 27 with, on paper, a first leg in Lyon and a return to Paris. Be careful, however, of the clash of calendars: the men’s PSG hosts Le Havre in Ligue 1 that weekend. So we’re counting on all the players to make sure we see the Katoto gang again at the Parc des Princes.
