Manchester United’s quest for their inaugural appearance in the UEFA Women’s Champions League remains unfulfilled. They were defeated by Paris Saint-Germain in the second and decisive qualifying round, with an aggregate score of 4-2. Although a 1-1 draw at home ignited optimism for Marc Skinner’s team, the French squad exhibited their dominance in the second leg, securing a comfortable 3-1 victory on the night.
Manchester United missed out on qualifying for the group stage of the UEFA Women’s Champions League for the first time after losing 4-2 on aggregate to Paris Saint-Germain.
The two sides were level at 1-1 after the first leg at the Leigh Sports Village stadium, but the French two-time finalists proved too strong as a brace from Lieke Martens and a strike from Sandy Baltimore ended the Manchester club’s hopes in the Parc des Princes.
Marc Skinner’s side arrived dreaming of a momentous night in Paris but fell behind in the 17th minute when Martens was on hand to thunder home the rebound after Tabitha Chawinga’s low effort.
Less than two minutes after the break, Lisa Naalsund restored parity from close range for the English visitors before two quick-fire goals all but sealed United’s fate.
Martens finished past Mary Earps to put PSG back in front in the 48th minute in what was a hammer blow that landed so quickly after United had drawn level.
Such lapses in concentration can’t be afforded at this level and worse was to come nine minutes later when Baltimore produced a moment of magic to seal the victory.
To their credit, United kept probing for a route back into the game and thought they had one when Leah Galton’s header found the net, but it was chalked off for a push on Clare Hunt in the build-up.
Ella Toone went close late on but she was denied by the woodwork on what was a frustrating night for the England international as PSG saw the game out and booked their place in Friday’s draw.
Manchester United’s upcoming match is an away fixture against Everton in the Women’s Super League scheduled for Sunday. Meanwhile, PSG will also be returning to domestic competition to face LOSC.
Notably, Chelsea is the sole English team to feature in this year’s Champions League.
