Arkema Première Ligue week 2 results: OL Lyonnes thrash Paris FC in signature scoreline | OneFootball

OL Lyonnes showed no mercy with challengers Paris FC in Week 2 of the Arkema Première Ligue (APL). Bagging both second wins, Paris Saint-Germain and Les Marseillaises keep up the pace for now.

Here’s a breakdown of the action this weekend in France.

Can Lyon be challenged in France?

OL Lyonnes expected a challenge against Paris FC, and they got one, even though it lasted only for a half. At the Groupama Stadium, Paris arrived with intent and looked like they could pull off an upset against the French giants. But neither Manoly Baquerizo’s header nor Mariam Toloba’s strike, both good half-chances, found the back of the net.

For Sandrine Soubeyrand’s side, that window of opportunity closed for good as the first half drew to a close. Headers from Marie-Antoinette Katoto, ending a nine-game goal drought, and Melchie Dumornay, in another link-up with Jule Brand, gave Lyon a comfortable lead at the break.

After the restart, the Fenottes again leaned on Katoto and Dumornay. Following a strong drive into the box from Salma Paralluelo, the French striker found the net for a second time with a backheel flick before being subbed off. But her exit was hardly a gift for the Parisians.

Introduced from the bench was the one and only Ada Hegerberg. The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner had an instant impact with a goal on her first touch following Dumornay’s cross. Minutes later, the Haitian maestro’s delivery was volleyed home by the 31-year-old Norwegian striker. Hegerberg then completed her hat-trick with a commanding header in stoppage time.

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Like Katoto, Dumornay also finished with a brace thanks to one from the penalty spot, already reaching five goals this season. Paris FC’s only consolation came through a fine piece of skill from Clara Mateo.

7-1 is becoming Lyon’s trademark scoreline, after the exact same result saw them dump Fleury in last week’s season opener. Paris FC must now be wondering whether they are genuine title contenders after this rout.

PSG still perfect, Karchaoui leads the way

PSG, the capital’s other side, kept their fast start going with another solid 2-0 win, this time against Strasbourg, supposedly a tougher opponent than Lens last weekend. Led by Sakina Karchaoui, the home side settled matters early: the captain’s beautifully bent free-kick found Merveille Kanjinga’s header for the opener.

With more than 20 chances, PSG looked effortless but not lethal. Karchaoui’s penalty, as the clock struck 60, sealed the game. Paulo César’s side keeps pace with Lyon at the top of the league with two wins in two games.

Marseille edge past Lens to complete podium

Still searching for cruising altitude, Marseille ground out a patient win to finally get some reward (1-2). Visitors Lens answered Louise Fleury’s opening goal with Léa Notel’s powerful strike following Roseline Éloissant’s great run down the right flank.

Despite a dominant showing with 60 percent of possession and 16 attempts, the Phocéennes only broke down the Sang et Or’s resistance thanks to Carina Baltrip-Reyes on a set piece.

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The Panamanian defender, who joined from Lazio this summer, rose above the pack to head in Lexi Missimo’s late free-kick cross. Another narrow, one-goal win for Marseille, while a hopeful Lens side remain winless.

Calba helps Fleury find light against former club

Nantes and Fleury, both top half contenders, shared the points after a balanced match with both teams holding the ball an equal amount of time (1-1). The Canaries thought they had secured their first league win of the season thanks to Madeline Roth’s first half header.

But Lucie Calba punished her former club with a stoppage time tap-in after Sanâa Mssoudy slalomed past Nantes’ defence. Both sides are still looking for momentum this season.

Contrasting fortunes for promoted sides

In other news, Saint-Malo picked up a historic first win in the French top flight against Montpellier (1-0). A superbly curved early free-kick from Megan Rucker did the job for the Diablesses, who resisted the visiting side’s domination.

In their first appearance in the city’s 30,000-seater stadium, Toulouse hoped for a better outcome (1-2). Le Havre turned the game around after Julie Rabanne’s early penalty, thanks to youngster Thaïs Gallais’ first professional goal and an unlucky own goal from Mariam Diakité. The Violettes are still sitting at the bottom of the table.

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Match-day 3 preview: Paris FC and Strasbourg looking to bounce back

The APL returns this weekend for matchday 3. Strasbourg and Paris FC will hope for a different outcome when they face off against each other. OL Lyonnes travel to Le Havre, as the hosts hope for anything but another beating, while Montpellier and Marseille clash in the South derby.

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