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PARIS DERBY: ANALYZING HOW PSG NARROWLY DEFEATED A RESILIENT, NEW-LOOK PARIS FC SIDE

PSG edge Paris FC 2-1 in a historic Ligue 1 derby. Explore the Arnault-Red Bull takeover, stadium drama, and the 2026 rematch.

Paris Derby: Analyzing How PSG Narrowly Defeated a Resilient, New-Look Paris FC Side
Doué and Dembélé’s Form Recovery Keys PSG’s Hard-Fought Derby Win.

Paris Saint-Germain had a chance to send a message in the first of two Paris derbies in just over a week, squaring off against their ambitious neighbours. Inside the Parc des Princes, a massive tifo declared “Paris c’est nous”—a phrase that nodded to the clubs’ tangled past but also served as a reminder: this rivalry has always been a bit one-sided.

For a brief stretch in the seventies, PSG and Paris FC were one club. PSG came out of a merger between Stade Saint-Germain and Paris FC back in 1970. It didn’t last. Paris FC split off a few years later, and while PSG racked up trophies, Paris FC faded into the background, bouncing around the lower leagues. Only recently, after new owners like the Arnault family and Red Bull stepped in, did they start to make regular appearances in Ligue 2.

The women’s teams keep the rivalry alive—both Paris clubs actually give Lyon’s powerhouse a run for its money. But on the men’s side, things are different. These two hadn’t met in Ligue 1 for 48 years, so any real rivalry needs to start from scratch.

Honestly, from PSG’s point of view, it’s tough to get worked up about a club that isn’t even trying to compete. Paris FC’s whole message has been about complementing, not challenging, the European champs. There’s a clear sense of respect, maybe even a bit of awe. “They’re on a different planet,” admitted Paris FC president Pierre Ferracci—who, by the way, used to have a PSG season ticket.

“There’s room for two clubs in Paris, for two stories that could be complementary,” said Antoine Arnault, Paris FC’s owner and an open PSG supporter, during a press conference last year. Since 2022, Paris FC have even had PSG legend Raí as an ambassador—though he still spends plenty of time at the Parc des Princes. As the newly-promoted side tries to grow its own following, it might have to carve out more distance from PSG down the line.

On the pitch, there’s not much drama yet. Paris FC, despite their wealthy backers, have played it safe in the transfer market, so PSG’s dominance isn’t under real threat. Paris FC are nearby, both in terms of geography and market, but right now, they’re not shaking up the balance of power in Paris.

Paris FC’s summer move to the Stade Jean-Bouin—just a stone’s throw from the Parc des Princes—looked like it could create some tension. It’s definitely an upgrade from Stade Charléty, which has an athletics track and offers little room to grow.

Still, the clubs get along, at least at the top. PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi flew in to meet with Antoine Arnault and the Paris FC brass before the match. Jürgen Klopp, representing minority investors Red Bull, showed up too.

That “Paris c’est nous” tifo also ties in with PSG’s ongoing battle with city officials over buying the Parc des Princes. PSG have even scouted out possible new stadium sites outside Paris, but most fans hate the idea of leaving their home of 52 years.

The upcoming mayoral elections could shake things up. Several candidates want to reopen talks with PSG. If the club does end up moving to the outskirts, Paris FC would be the only big team left inside the city’s ring road—and would likely take over the Parc des Princes.

For now, the first act of this new-look Paris derby was tighter than expected. PSG edged it 2-1. The goals from Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembélé were especially welcome for the hosts, since both players are just getting back to form after injury-hit autumns. Paris FC did pull level after halftime thanks to a Willem Geubbels penalty, but they couldn’t keep it up. The two sides go again next Monday in the Coupe de France, back at the Parc.

At the season’s halfway point, the two clubs are worlds apart in the standings—PSG are chasing Lens at the top, while Paris FC sit just two points clear of the relegation playoff. Their meeting on the final day at Jean-Bouin could end up being about a lot more than bragging rights.

HOW MATVEI SAFONOV SAVED TWO PENALTIES WITH A BROKEN HAND WITHOUT FEELING PAIN

Matvei Safonov saved two penalties with a broken hand to help PSG win the Intercontinental Cup. Get the full medical update here.

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How Matvei Safonov Saved Two Penalties With A Broken Hand Without Feeling Pain

On Wednesday in Qatar, during the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, PSG's Matvey Safonov saved Flamengo’s Leo Pereira’s penalty in the shootout. (Reuters)

PSG coach Luis Enrique mentioned yesterday that Matvei Safonov may have saved two penalties with a broken hand, which helped Paris Saint-Germain win the Intercontinental Cup.

The Russian goalie blocked four penalty kicks during the shootout in Qatar on Wednesday. PSG barely beat Flamengo to win the trophy.

Luis Enrique said, “The player doesn’t even know how he did it.

“We believe it happened on the third penalty kick. He moved strangely and fractured his hand. He saved the last two shots despite the fracture. The adrenaline was so strong that he didn't feel any pain. It’s amazing.”

The club stated that “they will share more updates in three to four weeks.”

Luis Enrique, who has dealt with many injuries this season, mentioned he hasn’t spoken to Safonov yet.

Luis Enrique added, “It’s karma. Life is telling him he needs to rest and get better. With his attitude, he’ll be back stronger.”

Luis Enrique spoke before facing Vendee Fontenay in the French Cup.

The coach might keep playing backups in the domestic cups and choose third-choice Renato Marin as the goalie. However, he might use this chance to let Lucas Chevalier play his first game since recovering from an ankle injury.

Safonov’s performance seemed to stir up a debate about who should be the starting goalie for the European champions.

The 26-year-old Russian started the season as the second choice, but his winning plays in Qatar came after a few good performances while filling in for the injured Chevalier, who didn’t start the season so well.

Chevalier, who turned 24 in November, was brought in over the summer because coach Luis Enrique liked how he handled the ball with his feet, but he hasn’t always looked as good at stopping shots.

PSG DOMINANCE: WILL LUIS ENRIQUE’S CHAMPIONS OUTCLASS FLAMENGO IN THE DOHA FINAL

Luis Enrique and his star-studded PSG squad aim for more history in Qatar. Discover if the Parisians can conquer South America’s best.

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Can Underdogs Flamengo Stun FIFA’s ‘Best’ Team of the Year

Just about three months after winning the Ballon d'Or, Ousmane Dembélé snagged another big one: FIFA's Best Men's player of the year award.

In the 2024-2025 season, the 28-year-old French player scored 35 goals and assisted 16, helping PSG clinch four trophies, including their first Champions League title.

Coach Luis Enrique was named the 'Best' coach for leading the team to victory.

The 55-year-old Spaniard took over from Christophe Galtier at PSG in July 2023.

By the next July, his squad, featuring Kylian Mbappé, had already grabbed the Ligue 1 title, the French Super Cup, and the Coupe de France.

After Mbappé left for Real Madrid, Enrique reshaped his team, and they dominated domestically for a second season. They also crushed Inter Milan 5-0 in the Champions League final.

Even though Chelsea beat PSG for the FIFA Club World Cup in July, PSG bounced back by defeating Tottenham Hotspur in the European Super Cup final in August.

Achraf Hakimi of Morocco, along with Portuguese players Nuno Mendes, Willian Pacho, and Vitinha, joined Dembélé in FIFA's 'Best' men's team of the year.

Their spot on the team shows how well they performed all year, securing titles like the club's first Champions League win, PSG stated after the FIFA awards in Doha, Qatar.

On Wednesday night at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, Enrique and his top players will face Flamengo, the Copa Libertadores champions (South America's version of the Champions League).

Flamengo is doing great right now; they've won many trophies, Enrique said. I like how they play. I remember watching them at the Club World Cup. They played some amazing games. They're a great team with and without the ball.

After the game in Doha, PSG will head back to France to defend their Coupe de France title against Vendée Fontenay Foot, an amateur team in the fifth tier of French soccer.

"We wanted to make history with PSG last season, and we did," Enrique added. Now, we want to keep it going this season. We need to be ready and focused against Flamengo.

Every moment could be key. I think the team has the same attitude this season that they had last season.

Filipe Luis, Flamengo's coach, admitted that his team is the underdog. "PSG is the best team worldwide," said the 40-year-old Brazilian.

They proved that by winning the Champions League. They're here because they're the best, and we're going to try our best to win and make history.

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