With a six-point difference, the mass is said on the penultimate day and PSG can no longer catch up. OL will celebrate their 16th crown, the last of their president Jean-Michel Aulas, against Reims on Saturday at home. Fate is decidedly not forgiving with PSG, which gave in on a goal from one of its former players, the Danish Signe Bruun. This one scored in the last moments (88th), with a header, on a cross from Amel Majri. Two substitutes came into play. This detail is not trivial, because it underlines the depth of the Rhone workforce, which contrasts with the limits of the Parisian group, undermined by the injuries of its two star attackers, Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Kadidiatou Diani.
The Parisiennes will therefore not have succeeded in their improbable bet: to snatch first place from their evening opponents and dream of a second national crown. A victory would indeed have allowed them to overtake Lyon on the wire, with the particular difference. Because Paris did not lose the D1 on its direct confrontations with the Lyon rival (1-0 victory in the first leg) but on its points left en route over the course of the season, with four draws conceded. Imperial, OL had dropped only one, for no other defeat than that of the first leg.
Cascarino injured
The Parisiennes can blame themselves: on Sunday’s meeting, they could very well have won with a little more precision in front of goal. The young Korbin Albert (19) could even have been the unexpected heroine of the capital club if her overpowering strike, at the end of the game, had not passed just near the Lyon goals. But OL’s experience spoke, once again, with this trophy snatched from the rival. This will go straight to the heart of Jean-Michel Aulas, the historic president sidelined by John Textor, the club’s new owner who replaced him with American businesswoman Michele Kang.
The 74-year-old manager, the man who transformed OL into a veritable winning machine in women’s football during his tenure, had already received tributes from his players after the Coupe de France victory on Saturday May 13 (2 -1). Already against PSG… Aulas has also been insulted on several occasions by the noisy ultra supporters of the Parc des Princes, where 19,000 people had moved. The ultras also had insulting chants towards the Lyon players, who logically preferred to celebrate their title with their fans.
Cascarino’s wound
The only downside for OL, however, is the possibly serious injury to winger Delphine Cascarino. This indisputable holder in the France team remained on the ground for a long time, manipulated by the healers at the level of the right knee. She walked out in tears. This is bad news for Hervé Renard, coach of the Bleues present at the stadium, as is the World Cup trophy, which the French women are preparing. Their rally start is scheduled for June 20, a month before the start of competition in Australia and New Zealand (July 20-August 20).
While waiting for this major deadline, OL will have time to celebrate, and PSG to ask questions, while several players are coming to the end of their contract, such as Diani, crowned best player of the season.