PARIS (AP) — It took a long time, but the first capital derby The French men’s soccer league, for the first time since 1990, will be played on Sunday when Paris Saint-Germain host Paris FC.
It’s also a very local derby, with PSG’s Parc des Princes stadium literally across the street from PFC’s new home, and according to the newspaper, 44 meters away. paris city hall Website.
After gaining promotion last season,Paris FC changed stadiums and now plays at the Stade Jean Bouin, where rugby matches were traditionally held.
In Sunday’s contest, the defender, the French, european champion A match against a team that is struggling in the top tier. PFC lost half of their matches and were in 14th place. 18 team league We will be playing Game 17 this weekend.
PFC’s top scorer this season is a skilled midfielder iran kebar He scored six goals, more than any other PSG player. But he is on the road against Algeria. africa cup of nations.
PSG is dealing with an injury to their star forward Ousmane Dembele and Desiree Duet This season. PSG are not at the top but are in second place, so that may have influenced the result. surprise leader lens. Heading into Sunday’s derby, PSG had already lost two league games, the same number as all of last season.
PSG achieved a record victory, but French league championship 13 times Despite winning the French Cup 16 times, PFC’s trophy cabinet is empty. The PFC men’s team has never won a cup match, let alone a league championship.
Clash of big backers
PSG has received funding from Qatari investor QSI since its acquisition in June 2011. Last season, PSG achieved club record revenue. 837 million euros ($976 million).
Acquisition of Paris FC Late last year, the Arnault family, France’s richest family, Luxury Empire LVMHpromised to liven up Ligue 1.
Paris FC owner antoine arnaud is the son of Billionaire Bernard Arnaultand the family’s financial input would prove crucial to PFC’s chances of becoming a serious rival to PSG. Antoine was a former PSG season ticket holder and had a friendly relationship with PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi.
Prior to this season, PSG’s previous city rival was Matra Racing, who became Racing Paris 1 and defeated PSG in the last men’s league derby in Paris in 1990. Antoine won’t have to wait too long for the next derby, as PSG will host PFC in the last 32 of the French Cup on January 12.
Fleeting rivalry, stadium sharing
Paris’ soccer history can be a bit complicated.
Paris FC’s men’s team was founded in 1969 and merged with Stade Saint-Germain in 1970 to form Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
The merger ended abruptly in 1972, with PSG losing its professional status and PFC remaining in Division 1, playing at the Parc des Princes. PSG kept their name and returned to stadium play in 1974, winning promotion to the top flight at the same time as PFC’s relegation.
Matra Racing was only around for a short time.
Matra spent several seasons in France’s top flight, sharing the Parc des Princes stadium, but the club fell into disrepair in 1989 when French media mogul Jean-Luc Lagardère withdrew his support. The following year, Matra was relegated to a club then known as Racing Paris 1, despite defeating PSG in the derby.
Red Star’s Ambition
There could be more local derbies in the capital next season as Red Star aim for promotion from League Two.
Red Star are based in the northern suburbs of Paris and sit second in Ligue 2. The team has long been revered for its proximity to working-class fans in the Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine suburb.
Home games are held at the 5,600-seater Stade Bauer. There is a stand selling food and beer just outside the entrance gate. Red Star’s down-to-earth image has remained unchanged for decades, with the club becoming increasingly trendy and attracting a new fan base who appreciate its old-school ways.
There are plans to increase the capacity to 10,000 next year, and the club hopes to have 80% of local players in the first team by 2030.
famous founder
Founded in 1897, Red Star is one of the oldest clubs in France. Its founder was Jules Rimet, the longest-serving FIFA president (1921-1954), after whom the World Cup trophy is named.
Red Star’s period of success was after the First World War, with the club winning the French Cup four times in the 1920s.
___
AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
