'Plenty of team spirit & togetherness': How FC Bayern Women came out on top at the Parc des Princes

Maybe it does have something to do with this stadium after all. With the red and blue stands, the echoing roar of the fans, the chill of a November night in Paris. The Parc des Princes, one of the most prestigious stadiums in Europe, became a place where FC Bayern triumphed twice this month. First, Vincent Kompany's team won 2-1 against Les Rouges et Bleus, then the women followed suit: 3-1 at Paris Saint-Germain. On this Thursday evening, the Munich women were not just visitors, in a way they turned the stadium into a stage for their own determination, a reflection of team spirit, morale and individual class. And they did so despite once again initially going behind.

The match began promisingly. Bayern focused on an aggressive approach with controlled possession early on, immediately searching out the spaces in behind the Parisian defence. But then came a brief moment of doubt: Sakina Karchaoui made it 1-0 for Les Parisiennes on 16 minutes. A goal that revitalised PSG and tested the Munich side. But the response was instantaneous: Linda Dallmann equalised just 60 seconds later, her fourth goal of November. A goal that demonstrated the team's inner stability, which is currently so strong. And the ability to turn setbacks into energy at lightning speed.

Tanikawa's feat of skill on a Parisian night

José Barcala's side were exceptionally strong for the first 35 minutes, with pin-point passing, quick transitioning and consistently overloading the flanks. PSG were increasingly forced into their own half and looked rattled. This phase of the game was crowned by arguably the best moment of the evening: Momoko Tanikawa seized the ball, danced past two opponents with a simple but effective feint, and then smashed it under the crossbar. A goal that epitomised confidence, technique and timing. With the move, the Japanese player once again emphasised how much she’s grown this season.

But it wasn't just Tanikawa who impressed. There was also Franzi Kett, who acted as the team's tactical nervous system on this night in Paris. Her tireless runs, clever ball recoveries and precise passes gave the game structure and security. Above all, however, she had a decisive influence on the game with her challenges and intensity in the tackle. It was a performance that garnered her the Player of the Match award.

"We can be very, very happy. We delivered a really good performance today," said the 21-year-old after the game. The conditions in Paris, in the Parc des Princes, in front of that crowd, were anything but easy: "It's difficult to win here, so we're happy we were able to pick up three points." The fast opponents in particular demanded everything from her: "You have to be at your best in every second. But pace is also one of my strengths."

🏆 Well deserved: Franziska Kett was the Player of the Match:

PSG knew that a win was a must if they wanted to hold onto any chance of progressing. "That's why they were much more aggressive in the second half. We realised that and adapted our game," explained Kett. Bayern responded with more long balls, but also created their own chances and ultimately got the crucial goal. The key to success? "Plenty of team spirit and togetherness. Everyone pushed themselves to the limit and that's what brought us success today." Kett embodies the symbiosis of defensive stability and attacking impetus that characterises the modern full-back: She covers spaces, controls the tempo of the game and creates overload situations without jeopardising the team's balance.

FCB pass stress test

Especially in the second half, during which the dynamics of the game changed and PSG gradually became bolder. Paulo César's team increased the pressure, attacked more aggressively and won more second balls. Bayern, on the other hand, responded with deeper, more controlled build-up play. Pernille Harder had the chance to wrap up the game in the 73rd minute, but her shot from the edge of the box rattled off the crossbar.

The team remained calm though, refused to let themselves get flustered and defended with concentration. Magdalena Eriksson summed it up after the final whistle in Paris: "This is not an easy place to get a win. We played well in the first half. They made it difficult for us after the break and it was all about getting the result. The players who came off the bench also played a big part in helping us to secure the win."

The game was ultimately decided just ahead of the final whistle. Klara Bühl and Franzi Kett made a strong run down the left wing, Bühl crossed into the centre, Alara flicked it on and substitute Jovana Damnjanović scored from close range to make it 3-1. A goal that capped off the evening and summed up the team's performance: consistent, ruthless and mature.

More than just a staging post

With nine points from four games, Bayern have already secured their place in the play-offs ahead of schedule and direct qualification for the quarter-finals is within their grasp thanks to being fifth in the table. There are still two games to come, first away at Atlético Madrid and then at home against Vålerenga Oslo. After this performance, however, it's clear that this team can go further than just the last eight. The run of nine competitive wins in a row shows the current upward trend in form and the absolute will to win. Barcala summed it up: "I'm very happy for the team. We saw two completely different halves. We were very dominant in the first 45 minutes and had a lot of possession. Despite going behind, we were in control of the game at all times. It was a very good performance. In the second half, we didn't manage to be as dominant as we wanted to be."

The win in Paris was not just a dazzling display of spectacular individual performances. Rather, the team turned a deficit, pressure and a demanding crowd into energy. Just like against the defending champions Arsenal, just like against Juve, Bayern showed themselves to be a team who can compete in Europe. Not just on one evening, but for weeks on end. As in previous matches, the team on the pitch that evening displayed impressive morale, tactical clarity and individual brilliance. And for the second time in November 2025, FC Bayern left the 16th Arrondissement of Paris - or rather the Parc des Princes - with a good feeling.

🗞️ The match report on the clash with PSG:

👀 Glódís Perla Viggósdóttir in the spotlight: