Paris Saint-Germain began the new year with a hard-fought victory as they edged Paris FC 2-1 in a fiercely contested Paris derby on Monday night (January 5, 2026 WIB). The Ligue 1 Matchday 17 clash at the Parc des Princes delivered intensity, drama, and moments of individual brilliance, with PSG ultimately asserting their dominance in the capital.
Despite freezing temperatures at kick-off—reportedly below zero degrees Celsius—the atmosphere inside the stadium was anything but cold. Pride, rivalry, and momentum were all at stake as PSG returned to competitive action following the winter break, while newly promoted Paris FC looked to make a statement against the city’s most powerful club.
Goals from Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele proved decisive for the hosts, while Willem Geubbels converted a second-half penalty to briefly restore parity for the visitors.
PSG Control Possession but Face Stubborn Resistance
From the opening whistle, PSG asserted their authority on the ball, dictating tempo and pinning Paris FC deep in their own half. Luis Enrique’s side dominated possession, circulating the ball patiently in search of gaps within a compact defensive structure.
Paris FC, however, arrived with a clear plan. The promoted side defended with impressive organization and discipline, maintaining narrow lines and limiting space between midfield and defense. Their confidence was evident, and they refused to be overawed by the occasion.
Goalkeeper Kevin Trapp played a crucial role in keeping Paris FC competitive, producing several key saves as PSG pressed relentlessly. The visitors absorbed wave after wave of attacks, frustrating the home crowd as the opening half-hour passed without a breakthrough.
VAR Drama and a Late First-Half Breakthrough
The match briefly erupted into controversy in the 27th minute when the referee initially awarded a penalty to PSG following a challenge inside the box. Celebrations were cut short as VAR intervened, overturning the decision and awarding only a free kick—much to the frustration of the home supporters.
PSG continued to probe, increasing the tempo as half-time approached. Their persistence was finally rewarded in the closing moments of the first half. In the 45th minute, Desire Doue found space at the edge of the area and unleashed a powerful strike that Kevin Trapp could not keep out.
The goal sent PSG into the break with a deserved 1-0 lead and provided relief after a demanding opening period against resilient opposition.
Paris FC Respond Quickly After the Break
If PSG expected Paris FC to fade after conceding, the visitors quickly proved otherwise. Just minutes into the second half, the underdogs found their way back into the contest.
Defender Illia Zabarnyi was adjudged to have fouled Alimami Gory inside the penalty area, and this time VAR upheld the referee’s decision. Willem Geubbels stepped up with confidence and calmly dispatched the spot-kick, leveling the score at 1-1 in the 49th minute.
The equaliser injected fresh belief into Paris FC and briefly shifted the momentum, with PSG suddenly forced to respond under pressure.
Ballon d’Or Brilliance Restores PSG’s Lead
True champions, however, often respond immediately—and PSG did exactly that. Just two minutes after conceding, Ousmane Dembele delivered the decisive moment of the match.
The 2025 Ballon d’Or winner showcased his quality with a driving run and a fierce effort on goal. His shot took a slight deflection off a defender, wrong-footing Trapp and nestling into the back of the net to restore PSG’s advantage at 2-1.
The goal underlined Dembele’s growing influence and reinforced his status as PSG’s difference-maker in high-pressure moments.
Game Management in the Final Stages
With the lead regained, PSG adjusted their approach in the final 20 minutes. The intensity dipped slightly as Luis Enrique’s men focused on controlling possession and minimizing risk rather than chasing additional goals.
Paris FC continued to battle bravely, but clear chances became scarce. PSG’s defensive structure held firm, and the home side showed maturity in managing the closing stages of the contest.
Nuno Mendes came close to extending PSG’s lead with a sharp effort from a tight angle midway through the second half, but Trapp once again proved equal to the task.
A Confidence-Boosting Win Ahead of a Crucial Final
The final whistle confirmed a valuable victory for PSG, one that may prove significant as they build momentum for the challenges ahead. While the margin was narrow, the result reaffirmed PSG’s dominance in the capital and highlighted their ability to grind out wins even when not at their fluid best.
Attention now turns to PSG’s next assignment: a trip to Kuwait for the Trophée des Champions final, where they are set to face arch-rivals Marseille. With the first trophy of the year within reach, this derby victory could serve as an ideal platform.
For PSG, the message is clear—individual brilliance, collective discipline, and championship mentality remain firmly intact as they set their sights on silverware in 2026.
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