Paris Saint-Germain Show Resilience in Thrilling 3-3 Draw Against Strasbourg
Defending European and French champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) staged a dramatic second-half comeback to rescue a 3-3 draw against an inspired Strasbourg side at the Parc des Princes, keeping them top of Ligue 1 after a pulsating contest.
Despite being 3-1 down early in the second half, PSG clawed their way back with goals from Gonçalo Ramos and Senny Mayulu, preserving their narrow lead at the top of the French league table.
Early Drama: Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola Combine for PSG Opener
The home crowd didn’t have to wait long for excitement. In the sixth minute, Bradley Barcola gave PSG the perfect start after combining beautifully with Desire Doue, calmly finishing past Strasbourg’s on-loan Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders to make it 1-0.
However, the visitors responded with confidence and composure, refusing to be intimidated by the reigning champions.
Strasbourg Turn the Game Around Before Half-Time
Strasbourg equalized midway through the first half thanks to the teamwork of the Doue brothers. Desire’s older sibling, Guela Doue, sent in a superb cross that Joaquin Panichelli headed home to level the score at 1-1.
The visitors continued to press, and just before halftime, Diego Moreira — on loan from Chelsea — struck from a tight angle to give Liam Rosenior’s Strasbourg a stunning 2-1 lead heading into the break.
Panichelli Double Puts PSG on the Brink
Just four minutes into the second half, Panichelli struck again, this time finishing clinically from Moreira’s through-ball to make it 3-1. The Argentine forward’s brace shocked the home supporters and put Strasbourg in control of the game.
At that moment, it looked as if Strasbourg were about to pull off one of the biggest upsets of the Ligue 1 season — a result that would have sent them top of the table ahead of PSG.
Gonçalo Ramos Penalty Sparks PSG Revival
PSG’s fightback began in the 58th minute when Desire Doue was fouled by Penders inside the box. Portuguese striker Gonçalo Ramos confidently converted the resulting penalty kick, cutting Strasbourg’s lead to 3-2 and reigniting belief among the Parisian faithful.
Senny Mayulu Heads PSG Level
In the 79th minute, young midfielder Senny Mayulu completed PSG’s comeback with a determined header. After his initial shot was parried by Penders, Mayulu reacted quickest to nod in the rebound, making it 3-3 and sending the stadium into raptures.
Despite relentless late pressure from PSG, including a long-range strike from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia that went narrowly wide, the champions couldn’t find the winning goal.
Ousmane Dembélé’s Absence Felt, But PSG Stay Top
PSG were without Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, who missed the match through injury. His absence was felt as the team lacked its usual attacking rhythm in the final third, but the resilience shown in coming back from two goals down kept them top of the Ligue 1 table.
The draw leaves PSG with one point more than Strasbourg, who moved into second place, while Marseille and Lyon round out the top four.
Strasbourg Shine Under Liam Rosenior
Managed by English coach Liam Rosenior, Strasbourg once again proved why they are among the league’s most improved teams this season. The side featured England left-back Ben Chilwell, who joined from Chelsea in September, and former Brighton midfielder Julio Enciso, both of whom played key roles in keeping PSG under pressure.
Had they held on for the win, Strasbourg would have gone top of Ligue 1 — a testament to the club’s rise under Rosenior’s leadership.
What’s Next for PSG: Champions League Showdown
Next up for Luis Enrique’s PSG is a crucial Champions League clash against Bayer Leverkusen in Germany on Tuesday, where they’ll be looking to maintain their perfect European record after back-to-back group stage victories.
With Dembélé expected to miss another match, the French giants will again rely on the creativity of Bradley Barcola, the pace of Kvaratskhelia, and the finishing of Gonçalo Ramos to continue their quest for continental glory.
Match Summary: PSG 3–3 Strasbourg
Goals:
- 6’ – Bradley Barcola (PSG)
- 24’ – Joaquin Panichelli (Strasbourg)
- 43’ – Diego Moreira (Strasbourg)
- 49’ – Joaquin Panichelli (Strasbourg)
- 58’ – Gonçalo Ramos (PSG, pen.)
- 79’ – Senny Mayulu (PSG)
Venue: Parc des Princes, Paris
Competition: Ligue 1 (2025/26 Season)
Referee: Clément Turpin
Leave a Reply