Paris FC Win The Real City of Light Derby

Paris FC reclaimed top spot in Ligue 2 with a commanding 3-1 victory over Red Star in the first Parisian derby of the season, held at the Stade Bauer.

While many English observers may feel PSG are part of the Parisian derby, it is, in fact, Red Star (1897) and Paris FC (1967) who are the older clubs, and both are currently in Ligue 2. The win was a significant boost for Stéphane Gilli’s side, particularly after a difficult couple of weeks in which they had suffered back-to-back defeats. Jean-Philippe Krasso was the star of the show, scoring twice to guide his team to an important victory and restore momentum in their campaign.

Heading into the match, Paris FC had experienced a mixed start to the season. After taking seven points from their first three matches, they stumbled with defeats to Metz (1-2) and Bastia (2-1). These setbacks had raised questions about their form, especially given the club’s high ambitions following a busy summer transfer window. However, their 2-0 midweek victory over Guingamp seemed to steady the ship, and the derby against Red Star presented an opportunity to build on that result.

The match began with intensity, as expected from a derby encounter, and it was Red Star who struck first. Adama Camara opened the scoring for the home side in the 20th minute, putting pressure on Paris FC to respond. Red Star, playing in their historic Stade Bauer, were hoping to cause an upset and break Paris FC’s rhythm, especially in front of their home supporters.

However, Paris FC were not rattled by the early setback. Jean-Philippe Krasso, who has been one of the standout performers for Paris this season, drew his side level right before half-time. His goal in the first minute of added time at the end of the first half was crucial, not only for the scoreboard but also for the team’s morale going into the break.

In the second half, Paris FC took control of the game. Krasso struck again in the 57th minute, completing his brace and putting his side 2-1 up. The former Saint-Étienne striker’s clinical finishing was the difference on the day, as he made the most of his opportunities to give Paris FC a vital lead. From that point, Gilli’s men looked confident and in control, keeping Red Star at bay while continuing to threaten on the counter.

Red Star, who briefly equalised through Fode Doucoure in the 32nd minute, struggled to find a way back into the game after Krasso’s second goal. Despite showing flashes of promise, they could not match the firepower of their rivals. Paris FC’s third goal, which came courtesy of another attacking move in the closing stages, sealed the victory and ensured they left the Stade Bauer with all three points.

The result puts Paris FC back on top of the Ligue 2 table, leapfrogging Grenoble and Lorient, who had both claimed wins the previous night. It was a statement of intent from Gilli’s side, who are widely regarded as one of the favourites for promotion to Ligue 1 this season, particularly after bolstering their squad with significant signings in the summer. Maxime Lopez, another high-profile addition, has been instrumental in their midfield, helping to orchestrate Paris FC’s play.

For Red Star, the defeat leaves them in 14th place with seven points, a frustrating position for a club with aspirations of climbing the league. While they showed resilience at times, their defensive frailties were exposed by Paris FC’s attacking quality, and they will need to regroup quickly to avoid slipping further down the table.

As for Paris FC, this derby win not only lifts them back into first place but also sends a clear signal to their promotion rivals. With Jean-Philippe Krasso in fine form and a squad brimming with talent, they look well-positioned to challenge for one of the automatic promotion spots this season.