PSG Held to Another Draw by Auxerre

Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain were restricted to a 0-0 draw at Auxerre on Friday ahead of a key Champions League match due to good goalkeeping and poor finishing. Following a devastating 1-0 European loss to Bayern Munich last month, PSG recorded a second straight domestic tie.

Luis Enrique’s club remains unbeaten in Ligue 1 and eight points ahead of Monaco and Marseille, who can close the difference to five points over the weekend. What worries Qatar-backed PSG more is their goal drought, having scored just once in three games.

“I have no complaints about my guys. Everything was given. Luis Enrique claimed he would not criticize them internally.

After three months out injured, Portugal striker Goncalo Ramos returned as a number nine, however he has failed to score.

At home, PSG were held 1-1 by struggling Nantes last week. Vitinha hit the woodwork in the second half, and Auxerre goalkeeper Donovan Leon made several vital saves to keep the visitors at bay in Burgundy. Leon saved against Ramos and Achraf Hakimi before stopping Randal Kolo Muani from winning late.

“The result does not reflect what we saw on the pitch,” Luis Enrique said. “Don’t forget that we were up against the second-best team at home.”

After promotion to the top tier, Auxerre is having a good season and is barely outside the European places.

“It’s one point but feels like three,” said Auxerre coach Christophe Pelissier.

PSG must regain their clinical edge for Tuesday’s Champions League match against Salzburg in Austria.

The French champions have four points after five games in Europe’s top club competition and need two wins from their remaining three games to reach the elimination phase. Lille went level on points with Marseille and Monaco as Canada striker Jonathan David scored twice, including a penalty, in a 3-1 home win against mid-table Brest.

Lille host Sturm Graz in the Champions League next Wednesday, while Brest play PSV Eindhoven 24 hours earlier.