PARIS FC have stunned UEFA Women’s Champions League followers as they have now knocked out the runners-up and a semi-finalist from last year’s competition.
When a football fan thinks of professional teams based in France’s capital, Paris Saint Germain is typically the first that comes to mind.
How can you ignore the likes of Lieke Martens and Marie-Antoinette Katoto?
But the names on everyone’s lips at the minute are Julie Dufour and Louise Fleury who secured Paris’ place in the next round in their 2-0 win against Wolfsburg last night.
Paris’ triumph is made even more significant since they have also prevented Arsenal from advancing in this year’s UWCL.
Arsenal and Wolfsburg faced each other in last year’s semi-final, with the latter advancing to the final having won 5-4 on aggregate.
The German side have lifted the UWCL trophy twice and have been runners-up four times.
Arsenal themselves, on paper, also had a good chance of repeating last year’s success.
All eyes have been on the signing of Alessia Russo, but their attacking depth extends to Stina Blackstenius, Caitlin Foord and the returning Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema.
Alas, Paris FC have caused two shock upsets in this year’s competition, and we’re still only in the Qualifying Rounds.
They furthest they have gone in the competition was the semi-finals way back in 2012/13, losing 9-1 on aggregate to UWCL powerhouses Olympique Lyonnais.
Followers will be eager to see who they next encounter, with Chelsea, Bayern München, Olympique Lyonnais and title holders FC Barcelona now entering the mix.
The Group Stage draw will take place tomorrow at 12:00.
