Arkema Première Ligue week 7 results: Montpellier stun Lyon before second half collapse, no winner in Paris derby

Arkema Première Ligue week 7 results: Montpellier stun Lyon before second half collapse, no winner in Paris derby OL Lyonnes faced their first real challenge in the Arkema Première Ligue this season against Montpellier, before eventually turning the game around. With Paris FC and PSG unable to get the better of each other, the French champions have extended their lead at the top of the table. Here is what went down in the latest weekend of French football. OL Lyonnes tested by Montpellier For the first time this season, the Fenottes seemed a little lost before turning the game around (2-5). To be fair, Jonatan Giráldez had decided to shake things up, with third-choice goalkeeper Féerine Belhadj making her first start. But the 21-year-old, who had shown promise in spells last season, had a shocker, making a costly handling error on Ella Palis’ long-range effort. However, just before half-time, Célia Chabod was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a late tackle on Liana Joseph. With fresh legs coming on in the shape of Melchie Dumornay, Marie-Antoinette Katoto, Lily Yohannes and Tabitha Chawinga, things looked bleak for Montpellier as the teams emerged back from the tunnel. View this post on Instagram Solène Durand’s miraculous double save kept Montpellier afloat for a little longer, but Katoto’s brace and Korbin Shrader’s neat strike gave Lyon a 3-1 lead. As the game entered its final 15 minutes, Belhadj lost focus for a second time, allowing Bouchra Kharafi’s tame free-kick to slip through her legs. A Saturday evening to forget for the young goalkeeper. Fortunately for Lyon, Tabitha Chawinga’s lethal runs down the left flank led to Molly Skurcenski’s own goal and Dumornay’s composed finish before stoppage time. It was an unusual scare for OL Lyonnes, who are now five points clear at the top of the APL. A balanced Parisian derby Both in contention for second place behind OL Lyonnes, Paris FC and PSG ended up sharing the spoils (1-1) on Sunday afternoon. In a buzzing Stade Charléty, the occasion also celebrated Pierre Ferracci, the club’s president behind the establishment of the women’s team, ahead of his departure. Paris FC honoured him by putting on their best football in the opening quarter of an hour. Following a beautiful team move, Clara Mateo started and finished the move to give Sandrine Soubeyrand’s side the lead. But before the half-hour mark, Paris FC threw away their advantage following a handling error by Kinga Seweryn. Attempting to deal with Léa Morissaint’s harmless cross, the 21-year-old Polish international, making her third consecutive league start in Mylène Chavas’ absence, failed to hold on to the ball. Paris FC remain three points behind PSG, with a game in-hand. View this post on Instagram Marseille end win draught Les Marseillaises will be satisfied with the bare minimum as their 1-0 win against Nantes confirms their top-four ambitions. Having held on to fourth place since the start of the season, they had gone four games without a win before the weekend opener on Friday evening. Jenny Perret scored the winner on the rebound from the edge of the box. The goalscorer was an unlikely protagonist, however, as she was sent off in the 72nd minute after receiving a second yellow card for a high foot. Les Marseillaises nevertheless held on to their one-goal advantage and now have a three-point cushion over Le Havre, while sitting just one point behind Paris FC. Toulouse claim their first top-flight win in thirteen years Toulouse are finally back in business after beating fellow promoted side Saint-Malo (3-1). Bottom of the table since matchday 1, the Violettes finally found some breathing room thanks to last season’s Seconde Ligue top scorer, Selen Altunkulak (18 goals). The Türkiye international bagged a brace, first with an early tap-in and then after forcing a high turnover. In between, Saint-Malo had equalised through Thelma Eininger’s superb volley before half-time, while Golden Girl nominee Azzurra Gallo, on loan from Juventus, put Toulouse back in front with a close-range header. With this first top flight win since 2013, the four-time champions climbed out of the relegation zone for the first time this season, while Saint-Malo now sit bottom of the table. View this post on Instagram In the other games this weekend, Le Havre and Strasbourg played out a goalless draw, with both teams hitting the woodwork, while Lens failed to hold on to their one-goal lead against Fleury (1-1) and remain in the relegation zone. Week 8 is just around the corner, with both Parisian sides playing at home this weekend. Paris FC will host Montpellier, while PSG take on Le Havre. Unstoppable OL Lyonnes travel to Lens. Related articles from Her Football Hub: ÖFB-Frauen Bundesliga results: First Vienna celebrate historic comeback, Graz stay top and St. Pölten keep up the chase Suwen Süper Ligi: Big scores and small margins in the Turkish title race as Galatasaray claim 22-0 win Liga F match-day 8 results: Real Madrid stage dramatic comeback in controversial win