PSG were forced to come from two goals down to rescue a thrilling 3-3 draw against an impressive Strasbourg side at the Parc des Princes on Friday evening, with Senny Mayulu’s late header sparing the champions from a shock home defeat.
PSG began brightly and needed just six minutes to take the lead. Desire Doue played a neat one-two with Bradley Barcola, who darted into the box before calmly slotting a left-footed finish past Mike Penders into the bottom-right corner.
The early goal, however, failed to unsettle Strasbourg. Liam Rosenior’s side grew in confidence and began to test Lucas Chevalier with a series of quick transitions.
The hosts’ goalkeeper produced a stunning double save in the 11th minute to deny Joaquin Panichelli and Julio Enciso, but the warning signs were clear.
Strasbourg’s persistence paid off midway through the half when Guela Doue delivered a perfect cross from the right, and Panichelli outjumped Ilya Zabarnyi to head home his sixth goal of the season.
The visitors were now full of belief and turned the game on its head just before the break. PSG were punished for a poor clearance inside their own area, allowing Valentin Barco to float a delightful pass into the six-yard box, where Diego Moreira steered a low shot into the bottom corner.
The Parisians’ second-half response was almost non-existent early on, and they were soon punished again. Four minutes after the restart, Moreira turned provider, cutting a low ball across the area for Panichelli to sweep home his second of the night.
Strasbourg suddenly found themselves 3-1 ahead at the Parc des Princes, leaving the home crowd stunned.
Luis Enrique reacted by ringing the changes – introducing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Quentin Ndjantou and Willian Pacho – and PSG’s urgency began to rise.
Their breakthrough came in the 56th minute when Penders fouled Doue in the box, gifting the hosts a penalty. Goncalo Ramos made no mistake from the spot, sending the keeper the wrong way to reduce the deficit to 3-2.
The champions pressed for an equaliser and struck the woodwork in the 72nd minute through Kang-In Lee, whose fierce drive cannoned off the post before Ramos saw his rebound blocked by Penders.
The pressure finally told with just over ten minutes remaining, when substitute Senny Mayulu followed up his own saved shot to head in the rebound and level the contest at 3-3.
Both sides pushed for a winner in a frenetic finale, with Panichelli heading narrowly wide and Kvaratskhelia blazing over, but neither could find a decisive moment.
