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Manchester United Women earn first Champions League goal after battling draw against Paris Saint-Germain

Manchester United came from behind to draw 1-1 with Paris Saint-Germain in their first-ever Uefa Women’s Champions League fixture. 

Substitute Melvine Malard struck the equaliser in the 70th minute to cancel out Tabitha Chawinga’s opener in the first leg of the game at Leigh Sports Village.

It gave United – who qualified after finishing second in the Women’s Super League last season – a solid start ahead of their return leg to Paris next Wednesday.

Manager Marc Skinner made two changes to the United squad which clinched a dramatic 2-2 draw against Arsenal on Friday, with Lisa Naalsund and Jayde Riviere joining the starting line-up.

PSG dominated the first half with early header threats from Chawinga and Sandy Baltimore but their shots were constantly palmed away by United and England goalkeeper Mary Earps. 

Determined on the ball, the visitors took control of the first half of the match with an attacking-style whilst United barely had any chances to keep a stable combination and form constant passes.

PSG’s Oriane Jean-Francois was stretchered off after a collision with United forward Lucia Garcia, with Clare Hunt substituted in.

United managed to conjure good chances for Leah Galton and Jayde Riviere just before the whistle but the score remained 0-0 at half time.

The Red Devils improved under pressure during the second half but a smooth dribble by PSG’s Chawinga into the six-yard box opened up her chance to slot a low finish beyond Earps in the 54th minute.

United responded and after Galton went wide with an effort, Malard equalised in the 70th minute with a header after a corner by United captain Katie Zelem to give United their first-ever Champions League goal.

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