And before you can count to two, summer has gone: the evenings are still light but the temperatures have dropped to more enjoyable levels after almost three months of summer heat. It also means the start of the Champions League and other European Cup Competitions.

Today the women of Paris FC were hosting their counterparts from Austria Vienna in the qualification for the group stage. The sky presented itself with sunshine and a rainbow just after kick-off. And immediately it was Paris who took the initiative. Yet their fluidity brought no rewards other than being pleasant to watch.

Both teams had their Ultra groups present; Vienna putting Paris to shame as their ten man crew was respectable compared to the home side‘s fifty. It gives an idea of the support for women’s football in Paris.

Within the opening 15 minutes Paris had outplayed the Vienna keeper but the ensuing corner brought nothing. It was Vienna who grafted themselves into the game with grit and determination. Their passes lacked precision. This was emblematic when their number 5, Tatjana Weiss crossed way too early. This was a waste of a rare opportunity to push Paris back.

The Parisian keeper showed some insecurity when the team had a goal kick: Vienna pressed and applied pressure and Paris almost cracked. They had a lucky escape.

Speaking of which, Vienna rode their luck: the post and the cross bar saved them as well as Paris placing a number of well played balls wide.

The second half began in the same manner as the first half ended: Paris FC were dominating possession and the pitch yet created too little. This was largely due to Vienna now appeared to be better organised in defence, thus allowing less chances for Paris to get through on goal. Vienna were more physical now but could not make it count, i.e. create their own chances. It was somewhat telling that they had their first chance of the match after almost 75 minutes! Not long after, it could have been 1-0 for Vienna but a very good tackle prevented it from happening.

It was now a typical 0-0 match: both sides started their moves promising only to be frustrated by the tip of the foot, a body, a leg in they way. On the other side, this was entertaining for the crowd as the game, though now largely taking place in midfield, ebbed back and forth.

Advantage Vienna? Maybe as the return leg will see them play at home. However, they need to improve their attacking prowess, or rather need to show that they possess something like that. Paris on the other side will know that one goal will suffice to see them through – yet they need to be more clinical, less wasteful.

Sadly, with some time still to play, people started leaving the ground. The ground, the Stade Jean Bouin, in Paris’ 16th arrondissement, wasn’t even halfful, a sign that the women’s game outside the top clubs still has a long way ahead to develop. For the neutral observer though, it was trip down memory lane: cycling to the game, arriving five minutes before kick-off, no stress, no police.

I’m running the 2026 Paris Marathon for Mental Health UK and i’m raising funds for this charity. For more info, please visit my fundraising page.