Strasbourg complete late comeback against PSG to keep European hopes alive amid dream season
A stoppage time goal from Anthony Caci completed a superb comeback for Strasbourg against PSG to boost their European qualification hopes.
Julien Stephan’s side led 3-1 in the final 15 minutes but Marco Verratti’s own goal gave them hope before Caci stole home Dimitri Lienard’s left wing cross in the 91st minute to secure a spectacular draw.
The point elevates Strasbourg, which was second in 2017 and fourth a decade ago, up to fifth in the table and on course for its best finish in over 40 years.
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Watch Strasbourg’s late comeback against PSG
Former PSG striker Kevin Gameiro had opened the scoring for Strasbourg only for Kylian Mbappe to equalize for the visitors before half-time.
Two goals in four second-half minutes from Achraf Hakimi and Mbappe seemingly put champions PSG on their way to yet another victory.
But Verratti’s own goal halved the gap, before Caci’s fine finish completed the comeback and delighted the Stade de la Meinau.
If Strasbourg retain fifth place, it would be their best Ligue 1 finish since 1980 and secure a second European campaign in four seasons. There is also a legitimate hope of a Champions League spot, as the team are just two points off third place.
It represents a dream comeback for a team that went bankrupt ten years ago and were playing in the fourth tier.
The draw will do little harm to PSG’s campaign given the league is already secure, but it could put more pressure on Mauricio Pochettino.
The former Tottenham boss was forced to answer questions about his future at the club over the past week, while current Spurs manager Antonio Conte was forced to deny reports he was lined up for the position at the Parc des Princes.
What was said after the game?
“This stadium lifted us up throughout the game,” Caci said on Amazon Prime. [entering as a substitute in the 82nd minute], the coach told me that I was going to have an opportunity. I even dreamed that I was going to score today, and it came true.”
PSG defender Sergio Ramos, meanwhile, said: “Strasbourg are a team with a lot of intensity, which did not give up until the last minutes. The vibe here [at their stadium] he has everything.”
