Underdog Strasbourg outplays PSG's reserve squad; upcoming encounter against Arsenal looms large
In an electrifying turn of events, Lucas Hernandez's own goal on the 20-minute mark gave Strasbourg the upper hand against PSG, with Liam Rosenior's team remaining unbeaten for the last 12 games. The home side doubled their lead just before half-time, thanks to Felix Lemarechal's spectacular strike, although Bradley Barcola managed to pull one back for PSG soon after the break.
PSG, already champions for the fourth consecutive season, saw their domestic unbeaten streak end last weekend. Coach Luis Enrique, leveraging the opportunity to rest key players after their Champions League semi-final match against Arsenal, fielded young talents like 17-year-old center-back Axel Tape and winger Ibrahim Mbaye in the starting lineup. Despite their inexperience, Strasbourg took advantage and managed to capitalize on PSG's mistakes.
Englishman Rosenior praised his team's performance, highlighting the determination and courage displayed by his players throughout the season. The victory moved Strasbourg up to fourth position in the table ahead of the rest of the weekend's fixtures.
The second half saw PSG give their best effort to overturn the deficit, but Strasbourg held strong and managed to keep their opponents at bay, even surviving eight minutes of additional time. Although Strasbourg are now just a point behind second-placed Marseille, who face Lille on Sunday, they sit only goal difference behind third-placed Nice, victorious against Reims on Friday.
If Strasbourg can maintain their position in the top four, they will secure a spot in next season's Champions League, making a return to Europe's elite club competition since the 1979/80 season. However, Lille, Monaco, and Lyon are all within striking distance ahead of their respective matches this weekend, with Monaco taking on Saint-Étienne later on Saturday.
In an unrelated development, Aron Donnum's late goal helped Toulouse secure top-flight survival with a 2-1 victory over Rennes.
[1] AFP, French league: Strasbourg stun PSG with 2-1 win. Yahoo Sports, 2025. [2] ESPN FC, Strasbourg stun PSG to strengthen Ligue 1 top-four push. ESPN, 2025. [3] Goal.com, Strasbourg's triumph confirms PSG's dominance in Ligue 1. Goal.com, 2025. [4] Soccerway, PSG - Strasbourg. Soccerway, 2025. [5] WhoScored, Strasbourg v PSG May 13, 2025.
- Strasbourg's stunning 2-1 victory against PSG, led by coach Liam Rosenior, has put them in a strong position for the Champions League next season, boosting their efforts in the European-leagues.
- Despite the inexperience of young players like Axel Tape and Ibrahim Mbaye, PSG's unbeaten streak ended in the domestic league due to Strasbourg's tactical advantage and capitalization on PSG's mistakes.
- The win against PSG has propelled Strasbourg to fourth position in Ligue 1, just a point behind second-placed Marseille and only goal difference behind third-placed Nice, setting up an exciting race for the top four spots.
- If Strasbourg can maintain their top-four position, they will mark their return to the Champions League for the first time since the 1979/80 season, making this a historic moment for the French club.
- Meanwhile, Aron Donnum's late goal helped Toulouse secure top-flight survival with a 2-1 win over Rennes, ensuring their continued participation in international football competitions for another season.
