Vidi stand their ground against Paris Saint-Germain

Videoton played their third pre-season friendly against Paris Saint-Germain in the Austrian town of Gleisdorf on Saturday afternoon. The French star team gave starting roles to several stars including Argentinian Javier Pastore, Brazilians Lucas and Marquinhos. 

Vidi began the match at a good pace, with Gyurcso's first corner being flicked on by Juhasz to Nikolics, who almost put Videoton ahead. Kovacs then had a shot blocked a minute later. The third corner kick from Gyurcso ended with Juhasz powerfully giving the lead to Vidi, who were playing in their all new white kit. The centre backs header gave the keeper no chance as it flew in to the back of the net. (1-0).

PSG stepped up a gear and were level 3 minutes later. Their goal came from Camara. The veteran defender headed the ball in to the left corner of the net. (1-1).

The fast pace did not ease as the Fehervar side went ahead for the second time in the match after 14 minutes: Nikolics fed Trebotic with a pass, before the Croatian midfielder went down the wing and crossed the ball in to the middle for the awaiting Niko to make no mistake from 12 meters out, hitting a good shot just under the bar. It really was a good goal! (2-1).

Nikolics had another two good chances within the following 5 minutes. The first saw the ball go inches wide of the post, while the second followed a good move, and another shot that evaded the goal. The fourth goal of the game fell to the French. Chantome took the ball down the left, before planting a right footed shot in to the bottom left corner of the goal from 22 meters out. (2-2).

There were chances in front of both goals following the French sides leveller. Oliveira and Kovacs tested the keeper with shots, while Pastore and Bahebeck went close for PSG. Gyurcso had a chance from a tight angle towards the end of the first half, which Doucheu saved. The 40th minute saw Vidi go ahead once again: Brachi had possession on the right before hitting a sweet cross across the goalmouth, which the alert Nikolics reacted to with a great finish. (3-2).

Gyurcso could have extended the lead for Vidi on 43 minutes, but Douchez saved with his feet. Videoton went in at the break with a goal advantage.

Kleinheisler, Caneira and Szolnoki all came on at half time for Oliveira, Vinicius and Brachi respectfully. PSG managed to level for the third time shortly in to the second period. Argentinian midfielder Pastore blasted the ball beyond Calatayud after beating his marker from 11 meters. (3-3). The Paris side then went ahead for the first time in the game on 58 minutes. Bahebeck ended up on the ground beside Juhasz in the box, which the referee judged as a penalty. He picked himself up to place the ball to the right of the net. (3-4).

Nikolics also had an appeal for a penalty shortly after the restart as he went down in front of the Paris goalmouth. The referee decided against awarding a spot kick. Both sides then made several changes, which slowed the pace of the game as a result. There were still small chances for the supporters, which included a good turn out of around 150 Vidi fans in Gleisdorf.  The final effort in the game came after 82 minutes following a challenge on Kovacs. The resulting free kick from Nikolics from 24 meters out was saved by substitute keeper Maignan. 

Members from Videoton's UEFA cup side of 1984-85 were present in the stand. They included Jozsef Szabo, Ferenc Csongradi, Istvan Borsanyi and club director Gyozo Burcsa, who were part of the Vidi side that beat the Paris team three times in three games. Despite the end result, they would have been pleased with what they saw in this friendly match.

Vidi went ahead three times in a very good match against PSG, but finally ended up losing by a goal, but they left the pitch with their heads held high. Vidi are next in action on Saturday 19th July with an 18:30pm kick off against Ujpest in another pre-season friendly at the Sostoi.