Azzaro's Late Penalty Sends Paris FC Through in Oslo

Both teams arrived at Intility Arena knowing their European dreams hung in the balance, with second-place Paris FC seeking to cement their knockout stage credentials while Valerenga desperately needed points to keep their Champions League hopes alive. The French visitors secured a crucial 0-1 victory through Lorena Azzaro's late penalty, leaving the Norwegian hosts facing an uphill battle in their remaining fixtures.

The decisive moment arrived in the 81st minute when Sara Hørte's handball in the penalty area handed Paris FC the breakthrough they had been seeking all evening. Azzaro stepped up confidently and converted the penalty with a left-footed shot to the high centre of the goal, sending the traveling supporters into raptures. The Italian striker had been denied by excellent goalkeeping throughout the match, but made no mistake when presented with the golden opportunity from twelve yards.

Paris FC dominated the tactical battle from the opening whistle, with Melween N'Dongala and Kaja Korosec controlling the midfield exchanges while Théa Greboval provided width down the flanks. Valerenga's defensive structure, marshaled by Michaela Kovacs, held firm for long periods but came under relentless pressure. The visitors' patient build-up play consistently carved out half-chances, with Sheika Scott and Azzaro linking effectively in the final third.

The statistics told the story of French dominance, as Paris FC commanded 65.6% possession and registered seven shots on target compared to Valerenga's two. Tove Enblom produced a string of outstanding saves to keep her side in the contest, denying Lou Bogaert's long-range effort in the 49th minute and making a crucial stop from Sheika Scott at close range in the 67th minute. Hawa Sangaré struck the post with a header in the 64th minute as the pressure mounted.

The turning point came in first-half stoppage time when Karina Sævik received a red card for violent conduct after VAR intervention, forcing Valerenga to play the entire second half with ten players. The numerical disadvantage allowed Paris FC to increase their territorial dominance, with Azzaro missing a glorious header from six yards in the 55th minute before eventually finding the net from the penalty spot.

Valerenga will host Bayern Munich on December 17 in what promises to be a daunting encounter given their current predicament, while Paris FC return to domestic action against Montpellier on December 12, buoyed by this hard-fought European victory that strengthens their position in Group play.