Paris FC will enter the first international break with a little warmth around them after turning Jean-Bouin into a one-sided contest against Strasbourg. Saturday’s 2-1 win was far more comfortable than the final score suggested, lifting the capital club provisionally into second place in Ligue 1.
Whatever happens elsewhere this weekend, Paris FC are certain to remain in the top four through the three-week break. Liam Rosenior’s side overwhelmed a Strasbourg team that had arrived for Matchday 5 as the division’s leading scorers, but looked powerless for long spells in Paris.
Paris FC take control early
- Paris FC began at full speed and pressed Strasbourg into repeated errors. Filip Jörgensen kept the visitors level with saves from Lassine Sinayoko in the fifth and 15th minutes, while Luca Koleosho was also denied in the seventh.
- Strasbourg could not survive the pressure indefinitely. Samir El Mourabet gave the ball away in the 18th minute, allowing Ilan Kebbal to pounce. The winger burst forward, exchanged passes with Sinayoko and finished the move for his first goal of the season.
- Rosenior’s tactical plan left his former club without an answer before half-time. Strasbourg did not manage a shot and failed to touch the ball inside the Paris FC penalty area during the opening 45 minutes.
- The visitors returned with greater purpose after the interval, but another defensive mistake opened the door for Paris FC. Jeyland Mitchell surrendered possession, Kebbal released Sinayoko, and the forward helped create the second goal.
- Maxime Lopez delivered a precise low cross from the left of the area in the 57th minute, with Pablo Pagis arriving to strike first time and double the home side’s advantage.
- With the result largely under control, Rosenior rotated his side and Paris FC’s intensity dipped. Strasbourg pulled one back in the 88th minute when Moustapha Mbow turned the ball into his own net, but the late goal did not alter the outcome.
Kebbal drives another Paris FC display
Kebbal’s goal was only part of his influence. He was credited with six recoveries in 68 minutes, the highest total recorded in the match, underlining the aggressive pressing that set the tone for Paris FC’s performance.
The 28-year-old was involved at both ends of the decisive passages of play: first by winning the ball for the opener, then by starting the move that ended with Lopez’s assist for Pagis. Sinayoko also impressed in the build-up and was involved in both Paris FC goals, while Lopez and Pagis repeatedly found space in an attack Strasbourg struggled to contain.
Kebbal heads into the break during one of the strongest spells of his career. He has been recalled by Algeria’s new coach Brahim Hemdani, whom he briefly knew when Hemdani worked as an assistant at FC Côte Bleue. Having missed out on selection for the World Cup, the Paris FC midfielder now has club momentum and an international return to chase.
