PSG 2-1 Paris FC: PSG come out victorious in the derby

In the first game of the year, Paris Saint-Germain is hosting their city rival 14th-placed Paris FC at the Parc des Princes. Les Rouges et Bleus need a win if they hope to close the gap with RC Lens after their win earlier this weekend as they are now sitting four points behind Les Sangs et Ors in the table.
Moreover, they will look to put Marseille further away after their surprising loss to relegation-threatened FC Nantes.

For this game, the European Champions will start with Zabarnyi and Pacho as centre-back while Doué, Mayulu and Dembélé lead the front line. Additionally, two former PSG players, Kevin Trapp and Jonathan Ikoné will make their return to the Parc des Princes in this derby as they feature in PFC's starting line-up.

Paris Saint-Germain's starting XI: Chevalier; Zabarnyi, Pacho, Nuno Mendes, Warren Zaire-Emery; Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, Joao Neves; Doué, Mayulu, Ousmane Dembélé.

Paris FC's starting XI: Trapp; Kolo, Mbow, Otavio, De Smet, Sangui; Lopez, Camara, Gory, Ikone, Guebbels.

PSG edged past Paris FC in the derby

Luis Enrique and his side struggled to create any significant chances in the first 15 minutes, with the hosts facing a well-organised opponent who work hard to cut any spaces in behind their backline.

After 27 minutes, PSG was awarded a penalty after a foul on Désiré Doué, however, it was overturned after a short VAR check with a free-kick being given at the edge of the box.

After a strong display in the last 15 minutes, the hosts finally broke the deadlock through Désiré Doué just before halftime. The European Champions scored after Paris FC gave the ball away in their own half (45'). Shortly, Nuno Mendes came close to double their lead but his long range effort went just above the crossbar.

Just after the break, Paris FC drew level on penalty through Guebbels. Illia Zabarnyi who started ahead of Marquinhos tonight fouled Gory in the box (51'). However, less than two minutes later, the hosts took the lead once again through Ousmane Dembélé. The 2025 Ballon d'Or saw his shot deflected, leaving Kevin Trapp powerless on his line (53').

After several substitutions, the intensity of the game understandably dropped in the final 20 minutes, though, Luis Enrique and his side were able to see out the game and secure all three points.

Up next, Paris Saint-Germain will travel to Kuwait to face Marseille in the Trophée des Champions final. The Parisians will have the opportunity to lift the first trophy of the year against their rival.