Paris aren't truly impressing anymore, even in the league, but they have still temporarily reclaimed top spot in Ligue 1, ahead of the clash between Lens and Marseille on Saturday evening.

Sandwiched between two Champions League fixtures, this encounter primarily aimed to dispel some of the doubts surrounding Luis Enrique's side since the beginning of 2026. This was especially crucial before facing Newcastle on Wednesday in the final league phase match, where they need to secure a top-8 spot to avoid playing in the two playoff matches.

Doubts first emerged concerning goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier, who wasn't decisive on Tuesday in Lisbon, conceding two goals from four shots on target.

On Friday at the Stade l'Abbe-Deschamps (17,254 spectators), the former Lille player was rarely troubled and had little to do, as Auxerre failed to register a single shot on target. The rotated defence – comprising Lucas Beraldo, Lucas Hernandez, and Illya Zabarnyi – fielded by the Spanish coach was rather reassuring, successfully managing Auxerre's few opportunities.

This match was also an opportune moment to alleviate concerns regarding the PSG attack, which has been less effective in recent weeks, apart from last Friday's 3-0 victory against Lille.

Still boasting impressive possession (around 70%), the Parisians – up against AJA's deep defensive block – once again squandered chances they wouldn't have missed last spring.

- Barcola's 7th League Goal -

After more than fifteen shots and 80 minutes, PSG finally broke the deadlock with a superb piece of inspiration from Ousmane Dembele, who played a through ball to Bradley Barcola. He finally made the right move to beat Donovan Leon (1-0, 80th minute).

Before that, the French forward had created many chances but lacked the final touch (2nd, 51st, 63rd minutes), as did Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (4th, 8th minutes), who wasn't dangerous enough.

Without Fabian, Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves, Lee Kang-In, and Matvey Safonov, Luis Enrique's players once again dominated without being truly threatening, except for one late-game action, reminiscent of autumn 2025.

The introduction of Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele on the hour mark brought some relief to the PSG attack, which still hasn't been convincing, even against relegation-threatened AJA. Desire Doue confirmed he isn't in his best form, missing an opportunity that was too easy for his calibre (76th minute).

"We are in a very good moment," Luis Enrique insisted on Thursday, the day before the trip to Yonne, adding that "this season is a special one."

In his press conferences, the Spanish coach is keen to dispel doubts, repeatedly asserting that his team is performing well, even if they are stringing together matches without truly impressing.

B. Barcola

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