Underdogs Strasbourg triumph over PSG's reserve squad prior to the Arsenal return match
In the heart of Alsace, a shocking turn of events unfolded during Strasbourg's clash with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on May 3, 2025. A Lucas Hernandezown goal blunder gave Strasbourg the lead, and Felix Lemarechal's brilliant strike doubled their advantage before the break. Despite PSG's dominant status as Ligue 1 champions, they couldn't find an equalizer, ultimately losing 2-1.
Liam Rosenior's Strasbourg, unbeaten in 12 matches, had the heat on their side as they battled for every ball against a PSG team, already boasting a fourth consecutive Ligue 1 title. PSG coach Luis Enrique, resting key players after a hard-fought win against Arsenal in the Champions League semi-final, saw his unbeaten domestic run come to an end. However, the Englishman was proud of his team's courage, praising their relentless spirit that propelled them to second-best behind PSG.
Enrique shook things up, giving a top-flight debut to 17-year-old center-back Axel Tape and a third Ligue 1 start to winger Ibrahim Mbaye, also 17. With PSG fielding a second-string side, Strasbourg seized the chance, taking an early lead when Mamadou Sarr helped on a corner, leaving the unfortunate Hernandez with the own goal.
Gonçalo Ramos had a couple of chances for PSG in the first half, but Strasbourg extended their lead just before the interval when Habib Diarra set up Lemarechal for a breathtaking strike from the edge of the area. PSG responded swiftly with a goal less than a minute into the second half, as Bradley Barcola ran the length of the field and popped in his 19th goal of the campaign.
Despite Barcola's strike, Strasbourg held their ground, withstanding eight minutes of stoppage time. With the victory, Strasbourg moved one point ahead of second-placed Marseille and sat just on goal difference behind third-placed Nice, aiming for a return to the Champions League since 1979/80.
Lille, Monaco, and Lyon are all within three points of Strasbourg entering their fixtures this weekend, making the fight for a top-four spot fierce. Meanwhile, Norwegian international Aron Donnum sealed Toulouse's top-flight survival with a late goal against Rennes.
The Strasbourg vs PSG match stands as a testament to the underdog spirit, showcasing Strasbourg's tenacity and resilience against the Champions. Despite PSG's surprising loss, their leading position in the league remains unyielding.
In the continental football scene, this unexpected victory over PSG by Strasbourg marks their pursuit of a return to the Champions League, having last appeared in 1979/80. Concurrently, international sport spotlights Strasbourg's persistence and determination as they challenge domestic giants like PSG for top four positions in European-leagues.
