A Stalemate in Bondoufle: PSG Held by Fleury in D1 Arkema Clash
The rematch of last year’s Coupe de France final between Fleury and PSG ended in a scoreless draw, mirroring the intensity of their previous encounter. Fabrice Abriel, returning to Fleury after a three-season stint as their coach, saw his PSG side unable to break down the resilient Essonniennes defense. The match, played on Tuesday evening as an advanced fixture for the 12th round of D1 Arkema, was witnessed by Sports Minister Marie Barsacq, who chose this game for her first official appearance at a women’s football event. She was even presented with a jersey signed by the PSG players.Despite the lack of goals, the match wasn’t devoid of excitement. PSG came closest to scoring in the first half when Marie-Antoinette Katoto’s powerful shot narrowly missed the target. After the break, Fleury nearly stunned the Parisian giants when Ewelina Kamczyk’s header struck the crossbar.
The return of Grace Geyoro to the PSG lineup was a notable highlight. After being sidelined for three matches, the midfielder’s reintegration into the squad signals a thawing of tensions between her and coach Abriel. Geyoro, who last played for PSG in mid-November against Reims, delivered a solid performance, orchestrating several promising attacks for her teammates. Interestingly,Geyoro had featured in two matches for the French national team during her absence from club football.
The draw leaves PSG in second place, trailing Olympique Lyonnais by two points. Lyon will face Dijon on wednesday.Fleury remains in fifth position, two points behind Dijon and six behind Paris FC, who travel to Le Havre. The upcoming clash between PSG and Lyon on the 13th matchday promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams vying for supremacy in the league.
Fleury Frustrates PSG in D1 arkema stalemate: An In-Depth Conversation with Former French international Louisa Necib
The D1 Arkema saw a nail-biting clash this week as Paris Saint-Germain, spearheaded by returning coach Fabrice Abriel, were held to a goalless draw by Fleury. The match, a repeat of last year’s Coupe de France final, showcased the defensive resilience of Fleury against the attacking prowess of PSG. To dissect this intriguing encounter and delve into the implications for the remainder of the season, we’re joined by former French international and football pundit, Louisa Necib.
Louisa, welcome to the show! What were your initial thoughts on the game?
Louisa Necib: Thanks for having me.It was a tightly contested match worthy of a championship final rematch. You could see the tension on both sides, both desperate for a win, but ultimately, a draw was a fair reflection of the game.
Fleury put up an impressive defensive display, particularly against PSG’s formidable attacking force. What impressed you most about their performance?
LN: Fleury’s discipline and association were commendable. They closed down spaces effectively and made it incredibly difficult for PSG to create clear-cut chances. Every player worked tirelessly for each other, demonstrating true team spirit.
PSG, of course, boasts a star-studded lineup. The return of Grace Geyoro after a brief hiatus is a significant boost. How crucial is her presence for the team,and how did she perform upon her return?
LN: Geyoro’s absence was certainly felt in midfield.She brings a vital spark of creativity and leadership to the team. Her stability and vision were evident upon her return, and she orchestrated several promising attacks. It’s great to see her back in the PSG colors, and I believe her presence will be pivotal for their title aspirations.
The draw leaves PSG two points behind league leaders, Olympique Lyonnais.With Lyon facing Dijon tomorrow,the pressure is on PSG to maintain pace. What are your predictions for the upcoming matchday?
LN: It’s setting up to be a crucial week for both PSG and Lyon.Lyon are on a roll and will be confident against Dijon, while PSG face a tough test against Le havre. The PSG vs. Lyon clash on matchday 13 will be a mouthwatering encounter. It could very well decide the early frontrunner for the title.
Looking beyond this week, what do you believe are the key factors that will determine the outcome of the D1 Arkema race this season?
LN: consistency will be key. Both PSG and Lyon possess extraordinary squads, but the team that can maintain a consistent run of form, both in attack and defense, will have the edge. Don’t discount the likes of Paris FC and Dijon either; they have the potential to cause upsets. It’s shaping up to be a thrilling season.
louisa, thank you for sharing your insights with us.
LN: My pleasure! I always enjoy talking about women’s football.
We wont to hear from you, our readers! What are your thoughts on the PSG-Fleury stalemate? How do you think the D1 Arkema title race will unfold? Share your predictions and opinions in the comments section below.
Let’s keep the conversation going.
