Manchester United 1-1 Paris St. Germain
by Ruby Perry at the Leigh Sports Village for Impetus (11/10/23)
Above: Melvine Malard celebrates her goal that levelled the scores for Manchester United against Paris St. Germain last night. Photo: Manchester United.
Manchester United overcame a challenging first half and a one-goal deficit to earn a draw in the home leg of their Champions League Second Qualifying Round tie against Paris St. Germain.
Eleven minutes into the encounter between two star-studded teams, PSG had the first real opportunity as Lieke Martens headed over. United goalkeeper Mary Earps was also called upon to block an effort with her foot. Manchester United were struggling to match the attacking intensity of the French side and also found it challenging to build much in the way of attacking momentum.
Just after the quarter-hour mark, PSG’s Oraine Jean-Francois was stretchered off, leading to a long-awaited debut for Australia World Cup star Clare Hunt. The former Western Sydney Wanderers defender played a comprehensive part in the game bringing her trademark ballast and rumbustuousness. There was there odd occasion when United were able to intercept her attempted passes, but given the upward trajectory Hunt is on, this will just be growing pains and she looked the part overall, working hard to keep United quiet.
In an attempt to find a way into the match, The Red Devils noticeably upped their communication levels, which clearly aided their ability to gain more possession and create more forward opportunities.
In the second half, United showed real intent, however it would be PSG who broke the deadlock when Sandy Baltimore played an intelligent ball for Tabitha Chawanga to direct a shot past Earps.
But United were now made of sterner stuff and were growing into their Champions League status – they upped the ante and possession count. Eventually, it paid as Melvine Malard’s close-range header levelled the scores with 20 minutes left.
Manchester United can be proud of their comeback, as can Hunt be of her debut – but with the second leg to come in Paris, it will be the French side who will consider themselves as favourites to make it through to the group stage.
Teams: MANCHESTER UNITED (4-5-1): Earps, Blundell, Le Tissier, Turner, George, Riviere, Naalsund, Zelem, Toone, Galton, Garcia. Substitutes used: Malard, Miyazawa, Geyse.
Scorer: Malard 70’.
PARIS ST. GERMAIN (4-3-3): Picaud, Le Guilly, Jean-Francois, De Almeida, Karachaoui, Geyoro, Albert, Groenen, Baltimore, Chawinga, Martens. Substitues used: Bachmann, Calligaris, Hunt, Katoto.
Scorer: Chawinga 53’.
Referee: Frida Klarlund.
Attendance: 4,827.
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