Bayern against Paris Saint-Germain has become a staple of top-level European football in recent years. In the women’s game, the German and French giants last met only 12 months ago. Now the Bavarians return to the Parc des Princes on Tuesday for Matchday 4 of the league phase in the 2026/27 UEFA Women’s Champions League. Both are neck and neck on five points going into this potentially defining fixture. fcbayern.com takes a closer look at a familiar opponent and what makes them tick…
Big European history
The Paris giants were in no hurry to reach the top in women’s football. In 1971, barely a year after the club was founded, a team of 33 players took to the pitch in the lowest division. The path to the top initially took them through the lower echelons of French football. In the 1999/2000 season, PSG missed out on promotion on the final day of the season. They finally made the step up to the first division the following year. There, Paris initially played more of a supporting role than a leading one, before the signings of Sabrina Delannoy and Laure Boulleau in 2005 made a real statement. Both players left their mark on the club over many years, making a combined total of more than 400 appearances. The big nights were also a long time coming. PSG took to the pitch at the Parc des Princes for the first time in October 2009 – in front of just under 6,000 spectators and with a narrow victory in the city derby against Paris FC. Their first major title followed in 2010 with the French Cup. A runners-up spot in 2010/11 finally opened the door to the Champions League, reaching the round of 16 on their debut. It was an initial sign on the European stage that Paris did not merely want to take part but to be a permanent force to be reckoned with.
First league title but two lost finals
For a long time, Paris lagged behind Lyon in their domestic league. Between 2011 and 2020, PSG finished as runners-up in eight out of 10 seasons, unable to take that crucial step towards the title. That changed in 2021 when they finally brought an end to Lyon’s long period of domestic dominance and were crowned champions of France for the first time, but it also remains the only title to date.
On the European stage, PSG have reached the Champions League final twice, losing both against 1. FFC Frankfurt in 2015 and then Lyon in 2017. The Parisians have remained a regular contender amongst Europe’s elite in the years since, reaching the semi-finals on four occasions. The last two seasons, however, have been disappointing. In 2024/25, PSG were knocked out by Juventus in the second qualifying round, last year their campaign ended in the league phase after finishing 17th. This season, Paris have drawn 1-1 with both Manchester City and Real Madrid, plus a 5-0 win over Leuven.
Paulo César and continuity
Last season proved rather disappointing. PSG failed to win any trophies, were knocked out of the Champions League early, lost the French Cup final to Lyon and did not progress beyond the play-off semi-finals in the league. Nevertheless, the club opted for continuity. Paulo César has been in charge of the capital side since May 2025. He initially took over on an interim basis, before being appointed head coach shortly afterwards.
The Brazilian has been associated with PSG for many years. He played for the club between 2002 and 2007, before going on to work in the youth academy, winning the league with the U19s in 2025. His promotion to head coach of the women’s first team therefore also symbolises a closer link between the youth academy and the senior squad.
The faces of PSG’s game
The threat at PSG is spread across several players, but Sakina Karchaoui – the captain who usually holds everything together – is injured. Naomie Feller was the star of the 5-0 win over Leuven with her two goals and two assists. Romée Leuchter, meanwhile, anchors the midfield, having once made a name for herself at Ajax as a clinical goalscorer.
Paris are by no means lacking in quality at the back. With Paulina Dudek and Spanish World Cup winner Olga Carmona, the defence boasts seasoned international players. The experienced Katarzyna Kiedrzynek is currently in goal.
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