Gala evening at La Beaujoire for FC Nantes and the women of Nantes show right away that they have ambitions. A move by Julie Swierot from the first minute sets up Julie Rabanne for a shot on the right side. Parisian goalkeeper Mary Earps is well positioned and repels the attack. The Canaries are suffocating the Parisians in the early stages of the game, not allowing them to leave their half of the field.
In the 13th minute, Nantes create a second opportunity. After an interception in the center circle, Lucie Calba moves forward to assist Louise Fleury with a deep pass, forcing former Paris FC player Mary Earps into action.
The trend shifts after the first fifteen minutes. Tara Elimbi Gilbert is sent forward on the left by Olga Carmona (16th minute). The French player infiltrates the box and sets up Vitoria Yaya, open in the center. The Brazilian’s shot is saved by Emily Burns, who is then tested with a shot by Leuchter (17th minute) and a crushed attempt by Echegini (20th minute). Nantes hold on but suffer a setback.
Two minutes later, the referee awards a penalty to PSG after a slight handball by Nelly Rodrigues in the box following a blocked shot. Emily Burns goes the right way but Romée Leuchter finds the net at La Beaujoire. Following the goal, PSG increases their offensive efforts while Nantes look to regain confidence.
Nantes have success just before halftime. Julie Rabanne ends a good pressing sequence with a face-off won by the Parisian goalkeeper (38th minute). On the corner, Maureen Cosson’s header is caught by the English goalkeeper. Shortly after, Mariam Toloba’s lobbed header from the captain’s cross narrowly misses the target.
Behind on the scoreline, the Canaries have had the most chances in an action-packed first half.
The Nantes fought until the end
At the 49th minute, Sakina Karchaoui dampens La Beaujoire. On the right side, the French international dribbles past Imane Saoud and unleashes a sublime curling shot. Emily Burns is helpless. PSG doubles their lead.
Undeterred, the Canaries return to the attack. Calba’s shot is saved by Mary Earps (57th minute) after being set up by Bethi. On the counterattack, Elisa De Almeida receives the ball near the 5-meter line but Emily Burns is vigilant on the defender’s shot.
Nantes go on the offensive. In the 69th minute, Léa Khelifi breaks free to deliver a cross to Mariam Toloba in the penalty area. The Belgian’s shot is on target but Mary Earps is once again in the way.
Nantes come close to conceding a third goal in the 78th minute. Emily Burns makes a fantastic save on Vitoria Yaya’s shot after a cross from Rasheedat Ajibade.
The final minutes belong to Nantes but they struggle to break through the well-organized Parisian defense, as seen in Maureen Cosson’s attempt near the box (84th minute), easily caught, and Zoi Van de Ven’s shot a minute later, blocked by the defense.
In the dying moments of the game, after a well-executed play by Juliette Mossard, Zoi Van de Ven sends a cross to the penalty spot. Unmarked, Léa Khelifi redirects the ball into the net, reigniting hope for the last minute of play. It’s not enough to secure a draw but the Nantes women have shown a determined face for 90 minutes. Now in 4th place, Nicolas Chabot’s team will need to secure their spot in the playoffs in the upcoming matches.
