Ligue 1: Strasbourg edge Paris FC in a five-goal thriller (3-2)
Strasbourg claimed a crucial 3-2 victory away to Paris FC on Sunday afternoon, securing a spot on the Ligue 1 podium behind Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique Lyonnais. In a lively and intense match, both sides displayed ambition, but the visitors proved more clinical in key moments.
The game began with Paris FC pushing hard. Early chances from Moses Simon, Pierre Lees-Melou and Ilan Kebbal forced Strasbourg goalkeeper Mike Penders into action. Despite being under pressure, the visitors struck first. A sharp exchange on the right wing between Abdoul Ouattara and Diego Moreira ended with a cross that Kendry Páez headed home for his first Ligue 1 goal (27’).
Paris FC continued to press, but missed opportunities cost them before halftime. After the break, Kebbal again tested Penders with a curling effort, but Strasbourg punished the hosts on the counter. Moreira found Emanuel Emegha, whose strike was deflected into the net by Guela Doué (2-0, 78’).
The hosts refused to give up. Just three minutes later, Kebbal’s cross met Nouha Dicko, who headed home to pull one back (2-1, 81’). Strasbourg, however, responded swiftly. Ben Chilwell’s free kick was flicked on by Félix Lemaréchal, allowing Emegha to finish at close range. Initially disallowed, VAR confirmed the goal (3-1, 89’).
In stoppage time, Paris FC reignited hope as Alimami Gory scored after Krasso’s cross, reducing the deficit (3-2, 90+4’). Still, Strasbourg held firm to secure all three points.
With this victory, Strasbourg climb to third with 12 points, level with PSG and Lyon, while Paris FC drop to 11th, just three points above the relegation zone.
Pascal Amstrong
