Paris Saint-Germain were frustrated by a mix of Auxerre's solid goalkeeping and their own inefficiency in front of goal, as the Ligue 1 leaders settled for a 0-0 draw on Friday. The result, which follows a 1-1 stalemate against Nantes and a 1-0 Champions League loss to Bayern Munich, highlighted PSG's ongoing struggles to find the net.
Luis Enrique's side remains unbeaten in Ligue 1 and holds an eight-point cushion atop the table. However, Monaco and Marseille could reduce that margin to five points with weekend wins. More pressing for PSG is their lack of clinical finishing, having scored only once in their last three outings.
Despite the return of Portuguese striker Gonçalo Ramos after a three-month injury absence, PSG's attacking woes persisted. Auxerre goalkeeper Donovan Leon delivered an outstanding performance, denying Ramos, Achraf Hakimi, and substitute Randal Kolo Muani. Vitinha also struck the woodwork in the second half.
Luis Enrique defended his players, stating, "I have nothing to reproach them for. They gave everything." However, he acknowledged the need to convert chances, especially ahead of Tuesday’s critical Champions League clash against Salzburg in Austria. With just four points from five matches, PSG likely need at least two wins from their final three group-stage games to keep their knockout hopes alive.
Auxerre, enjoying a strong season after promotion, earned praise from coach Christophe Pelissier, who said, "It’s just one point, but it feels more like three." They sit just outside the European qualification spots.
Earlier on Friday, Lille moved level on points with Marseille and Monaco with a 3-1 victory over Brest, courtesy of two goals from Canadian forward Jonathan David. Both Lille and Brest have crucial Champions League fixtures next week, facing Sturm Graz and PSV Eindhoven, respectively.
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