Stéphane Gill’s 100th on the Paris FC bench will undoubtedly be one of his memorable memories. Facing Olympique de Marseille, disappointed three days earlier after their elimination in the Champions League, the Parisians came to hold the draw (2-2) in added time and glean a precious point with a view to maintaining.
In a sold-out Jean-Bouin stadium (19,209 supporters), Maxime Lopez’s teammates woke up late but ended up turning the match around. After reigniting the suspense thanks to Jonathan Ikoné (82nd), who entered during the second half, the Parisians were able to exult over the penalty converted by Ilan Kebbal. Sanctioned for having put his fists in the head of the rookie Munetsi, Geronimo Rulli was wrong-footed by the left foot of the Algerian international (90th + 4).
Before that, however, the Parisians had been guilty of numerous technical approximations and inaccuracies. They were first punished by penalty after a quarter of an hour of play following an obvious hand from Moustapha Mbow on an incursion by Mason Greenwood. In the process, the Marseille striker deceived Kevin Trapp on the wrong foot (18th).
Pressed by Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Timothée Kolodziejczak lost a precious ball in midfield and allowed the Phocéens to break away at the start of the second half. Served by Ethan Nwaneri, Mason Greenwood crossed perfectly towards the far post destined for Aubameyang who only had to push the ball into the empty goal (53rd).
Paris in difficulty in the stands
Before the Parisian surge, the Marseillais were very close to knocking out their opponents, but Leonardo Balerdi’s header came up against Kevin Trapp’s right post (74th).
This lively meeting will also be marked by a special atmosphere in the stands. Because despite the prefectural decree prohibiting their arrival, many Marseille supporters obtained tickets and made their voices heard. “Qui ne saute n’est pas n’est pas Marseillais” or the famous “Aux Armes” were launched several times, particularly after the achievements of their scorers.
Not enough to bring down the Parisians who, after beating Monaco in Ligue 1 then Paris Saint-Germain in the Coupe de France this season, are looking for another important point against a major club in the championship. And after having gleaned four points in two matches (victory at FC Nantes then draw against Angers), the Parisians continue their progression to reach 13th place in the standings. It remains to continue next Sunday against Auxerre, a direct opponent for maintenance.
Keep reading
