Table of Contents
In a match that showcased the chasm between Ligue 1 Féminine’s elite and the chasing pack, Paris Saint-Germain dismantled FC Nantes 5-2 extending their perfect start to the 2025-26 season. Goals from an own goal, Romée Leuchter, Merveille Kanjinga, Griedge Mbock Bathy, and a late Florianne Jourde strike sealed a comprehensive victory for the hosts, who controlled proceedings from the opening whistle. Nantes, buoyed by a spirited second half response, notched consolations through Maureen Cosson and Julie Rabanne but were left chasing shadows against a PSG side firing on all cylinders. The result catapults Paris to the summit of the D1 Arkema standings with four points from two games, following their 1-1 draw with Lens last weekend. For Nantes, it’s a harsh lesson in their top-four aspirations, after a win in the opener. This performance served as a statement of intent ahead of a grueling Champions League campaign.
Match Statistics
| Statistic | Paris Saint-Germain | Nantes |
|---|---|---|
| Ball Possession | 52% | 48% |
| Big Chances | 1 | 0 |
| Total Shots | 24 | 7 |
| Shots on Target | 9 | 3 |
| Shots Off Target | 13 | 2 |
| Corner Kicks | 9 | 6 |
| Fouls | 13 | 12 |
| Passes | 395 | 364 |
| Tackles | 16 | 9 |
| Yellow Cards | 1 | 1 |
| Offsides | 2 | 2 |
Match Flow & Key Moments
- 6′: Own Goal – Maureen Cosson (0-1) The tone was set early. A whipped Sakina Karchaoui corner found Cosson, whose desperate clearance looped into her own net a preventable opener that rocked Nantes.
- 20′: Leuchter Strikes (0-2) After rattling the post at 19′, Romée Leuchter tapped in Kanjinga’s pull-back from a swift counter. Her clinical finish extended Paris’ lead, with the Dutch forward now at 2+0 in two games.
- 40′: Kanjinga Headers Home (0-3) Rasheedat Ajibade’s pinpoint cross met Kanjinga’s towering leap for a bullet header. The Congolese star’s aerial prowess dismantled Nantes’ set-piece defending.
- 82′: Mbock’s Set-Piece Strike (4-0) Mbock nodded in Leuchter’s corner delivery , with PSG’s 28% set-piece conversion proving lethal.
- 83′: Cosson Pulls One Back (4-1) A rare Nantes surge culminated in Cosson’s poacher’s finish from Bethi’s assist. A glimmer of fightback, but too little, too late.
- 87′: Jourde’s Stunner (5-1) Substitute Florianne Jourde’s long range strike capped PSG’s dominance.
- 94′: Rabanne’s Consolation (5-2) Substitute Julie Rabanne slotted home (xG: 0.35), but a late save by substitute Frøya Dorsin at 98’ sealed PSG’s win.
Nine minutes of added time, including a Dorsin save at 98′, ensured a frenetic close, but Paris’ depth prevailed.
PSG’s 4-1-3-2 overwhelmed Nantes’ 4-3-3, with Kanjinga’s link play and Leuchter and Elimbi’s wide runs stretching the defense. The hosts’ high press, driven by Echegini and Groenen, forced turnovers, with 24 touches in the opposition box and 60 final-third entries. Nantes relied on Khelifi’s set-piece threat and Saoud’s pace, but their long-ball accuracy and nine tackles limited their impact. Nantes’ second-half shift to a 4-2-3-1 improved their ground duel win rate, but PSG’s backline, led by de Almeida and Mbock, maintained a tackle success rate and good ball recoveries. Coach Paulo César, tactics shone.
Player of the Match: Merveille Kanjinga (PSG) In a rout illuminated by stars, Kanjinga was the supernova. The 22year old notched a goal and assist, completing 92% of her 45 passes, winning 7/9 duels. Her movement tore Nantes apart, earning her the ArkemaPL Player nod – a breakout campaign beckons for the versatile forward.
Lineups
Paris Saint-Germain Féminines (4-1-3-2): Mary Earps (GK), Rasheedat Ajibade, Élisa de Almeida, Eva Gaetino, Griedge Mbock Bathy, Jackie Groenen, Joe Echegini, Sakina Karchaoui (c), Tara Elimbi Gilbert, Romée Leuchter, Merveille Kanjinga.
FC Nantes Féminines (4-3-3): Emily R. Burns (GK), Roseline Eloissaint, Juliette Pasquereau, Caitlin Cosme, Izarne Sarasola, Léa Khelifi, Maureen Cosson (c), Juliette Mossard, Imane Saoud, Mariam A. Toloba, Ema Paljevic.
For Paris, this 5-2 masterclass reinforces their title favorites tag, with a high chance of lifting the D1 Arkema trophy. The win boosts morale ahead of Lyonnes away, while their xG differential signals offensive firepower to rival Europe’s best. Nantes, meanwhile, must regroup to avoid an early relegation scrap this exposure of vulnerabilities could dent confidence, but their 48% possession hints at untapped potential under Nicolas Chabot. In a season of parity, Paris’ dominance reminds all the gap to the top remains vast.
