Islacker strikes to give Frankfurt the crown
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Article summary
1. FFC Frankfurt 2-1 Paris Saint-Germain
Substitute Mandy Islacker's clever finish in added time secured a record fourth title for Frankfurt.
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Article body
• Frankfurt claim record fourth title against debut finalists Paris
• Célia Šašić opens scoring with record-equalling 14th goal of campaign
• Marie-Laure Delie levels against run of play late in first half
• Substitute Mandy Islacker wins it in added time
A goal in added time from substitute Mandy Islacker earned 1. FFC Frankfurt a 2-1 UEFA Women's Champions League final win against Paris Saint-Germain, and a record fourth European title.
There were tactical tweaks as Frankfurt brought Bianca Schmidt in at right wing-back while Paris pushed Aurélie Kaci into a midfield missing suspended Caroline Seger, with both Laura Georges and Josphine Henning on the bench due to fitness concerns. Frankfurt, in a record sixth final, started brightly and Dzsenifer Marozsán's free-kick forced Katarzyna Kiedrzynek into an early save.
Paris began to have more possession though Frankfurt still had the edge, Marozsán's cross from the left nodded back for Célia Šašić to head off target. However, on 32 minutes the Germany striker made no mistake as she applied her head to a floating Kerstin Garefrekes cross, taking her season's tally to a competition-record-equalling 14.
Frankfurt were in full control but five minutes before half-time Paris were level. A curling Kenza Dali shot elicited a diving stop from Desirée Schumann but the resulting corner was taken short and the Paris No2 centred for Marie-Laure Delie to turn in.
Šašić was quickly into her stride in the second half, muscling through to be denied by the feet of Kiedrzynek. When Verónica Boquete connected with the resulting corner, Annike Krahn blocked. Paris turned to Henning and Georges, on for Fatmire Alushi whose fitness gamble had not paid off against her former club.
Now playing a more advanced and physical game, with Henning holding midfield, Paris were giving Frankfurt something to deal with, though without really creating openings. Simone Laudehr lobbed a shot over for Frankfurt, but was forced off with a knee injury.
It seemed extra time was inevitable, yet in added time a Marozsán cross was not cleared and Islacker brilliantly turned to loop in a half-volley. Frankfurt's record sixth final was a triumph.
