Machine and process for the manufacture of a paper web, in particular, a tissue paper or hygienic paper web. At least one pressing gap or nip is formed between a shoe pressing unit and a Yankee drying cylinder, through which a water absorbent carrier band, a water-impermeable pressing band and the web are passed. The pressing gap length is greater than approximately 80 mm, with the maximum pressing pressure of less than or equal to approximately 2 MPa. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.