Here’s our series. The 5 best reasons to watch a match (with some adjustments here and there). We’ll be highlighting the most appealing aspects before each match with a mix of seriousness and humor. Please note, this isn’t meant to be an exhaustive overview. We continue here with the match between Paris Saint-Germain (2nd) and Paris FC (14th) this Sunday at the Parc des Princes for Matchday 17 of the 2025-2026 Ligue 1 season (kick-off 8:45 PM, CET).
5 – A long-awaited derby
There have only been 7 matches between PSG and Paris FC in the men’s game, along with 5 friendlies, and the last one dates back to 1995. Since then, the Parisian derby has remained just a pipe dream. Which became a bit more concrete after PFC’s promotion to Ligue 2 in 2015, but then they had to reach Ligue 1, and the cup draws weren’t helping.
The moment has finally arrived (ironically, the two teams face each other in the Coupe de France next weekend). Even if their projects are now on different scales, this is a significant moment.
4 – Perhaps the start of another “historic” year.
Despite some concerns, PSG still has a very strong team and the ambition to win again. Perhaps this is the first match of another “exceptional” year. It’s best to experience it fully, right from the start (in addition to the life of a fan, of course). You never know, and every match counts. Although we challenge anyone to name, without an internet search, the first match of 2025, a year that has already made history.
3 – A high-scoring match.
PSG has a strong attacking tradition (the second-best attack in Ligue 1, just behind Olympique de Marseille), with only a few rare defensive lapses. Paris FC also has a desire to attack (among the top 10 attacks), but with a very fragile defense (among the 16th best in Ligue 1). Even if Paris FC could be more cautious than its usual flamboyant style of play, we can expect some exciting football and goals to kick off 2026.
2 – The return of a Champions League-caliber attack?
It’s been a long time since Ousmane Dembélé (28-year-old forward) and Désiré Doué (20-year-old midfielder/forward) have started together. Hopefully, given everyone’s playing time before the winter break and the fact that no special “management” is expected before Thursday’s Trophée des Champions (which leaves some time) against Olympique de Marseille.
We could even see Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (24-year-old forward), as in the Champions League final last May. Although Bradley Barcola (23 years old) also has a say in the matter.
1 – Don’t let Lens pull away.
RC Lens managed their return to action very well against Toulouse, with a 3-0 victory (the red card shown to Toulouse also helped). This confirms their hope of troubling PSG for a long time, or even seriously challenging them. Currently, they have a 4-point lead. Paris cannot afford to let such a gap close by the end of the weekend. The title race could be exciting; they can’t afford to fall behind.
