Manchester United 2-1 Paris Saint-Germain: Rolfo header keeps hosts perfect

Manchester United maintained their perfect start in the Women’s Champions League as they defeated Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 at Old Trafford.

Marc Skinner’s side entered Wednesday’s game on six points from two games, hoping to join Barcelona and Lyon in winning their first three matches, while PSG had suffered two losses.

PSG’s Joe Echegini curled an effort against the far post in the second minute, but United gradually grew into the game and after Hinata Miyazawa shot wide, they went ahead through Melvine Malard in the 31st minute.

Malard outmuscled Griedge Mbock to reach Jayde Riviere’s ball up the right touchline, cut inside, then whipped a fine effort beyond former United goalkeeper Mary Earps.

PSG got level through a stunning goal of their own three minutes into first-half stoppage time, as Olga Carmona got the ball out of her feet 25 yards out and guided a shot into the top-right corner.

PSG again hit the post early in the second half as Safia Middleton-Patel tipped Anais Ebayilin’s strike onto the upright, and United took advantage of that reprieve in the 58th minute as Fridolina Rolfo’s header capped a flowing move, with Jess Park heavily involved.

The visitors pushed for a second equaliser but couldn’t find one, leaving them 16th in the standings, three points adrift of the qualification cut-off of 12th.

Data Debrief: Red Devils still perfect

United have won all three of their matches in the Women’s Champions League proper, making them the only team in the competition’s history to play that many games and retain a 100% win ratio.

Skinner’s side were arguably slightly fortunate to get the three points, having only attempted 11 shots with an expected goals (xG) value of 0.69, compared to PSG’s 1.24 from 14 shots.

But United got five of their attempts on target, compared to just two for the Parisiens, who saw former Red Devils goalkeeper Earps make three saves on her return to Old Trafford.