Paris Saint-Germain picked up an important 1-0 win over Auxerre to maneuver high of Ligue 1 on Friday evening, with Bradley Barcola netting the all-important objective on the evening.
PSG dominated possession from the opening exchanges and instantly set the tempo. Inside the first 5 minutes, Barcola was performed by way of twice, forcing Auxerre goalkeeper Leon into sharp interventions.
On the primary event, Leon rushed off his line to slim the angle, earlier than rapidly recovering to disclaim Barcola once more from a good place moments later.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was central to PSG’s early strain, repeatedly discovering house on the proper. Within the tenth minute, his slaloming run appeared to go away him with an open sight of objective, just for Sinaly Diomande to recuperate and block the trouble with a well-timed problem.
Auxerre struggled to get a foothold in possession, with PSG having fun with near 80 % of the ball contained in the opening 20 minutes.
Regardless of their territorial benefit, PSG discovered it troublesome to transform strain into clear probabilities. Goncalo Ramos got here closest halfway by way of the half, assembly Kvaratskhelia’s nook with a agency header, however Leon once more reacted rapidly to push the ball away.
The Auxerre goalkeeper continued to frustrate the guests, producing a outstanding double save within the thirty eighth minute to maintain out two close-range efforts in a crowded penalty space.
Auxerre’s attacking risk was restricted, although they did have moments of promise.
Lassine Sinayoko drilled a harmful low cross throughout the six-yard field within the twenty fourth minute, nevertheless it evaded Danny Namaso on the far publish. It will show to be one of many hosts’ few alternatives.
The second half adopted an analogous rhythm, with PSG controlling possession and Auxerre ready for transitions. Namaso examined PSG’s resolve shortly after the restart with a strike from distance that cleared the crossbar, whereas Barcola dragged an effort large after main a counterattack at tempo.
Luis Enrique responded by introducing Ousmane Dembele and Need Doue simply previous the hour mark, trying so as to add extra penetration towards a tiring defence.
Dembele made a right away impression, sliding Barcola by way of on objective within the sixty fourth minute, although his tried chip landed on the roof of the web.
Auxerre grew extra formidable because the half wore on, committing extra our bodies ahead and profitable a collection of corners. Nonetheless, they didn’t register a single save from Lucas Chevalier, underlining the dearth of finish product regardless of their elevated intent.
The decisive second got here within the 79th minute, and it arrived from an Auxerre nook. PSG cleared their traces and broke rapidly, catching the hosts brief on the midway line.
Dembele carried the ball ahead earlier than releasing Barcola into house. One-on-one with Leon, the winger saved his composure and lifted a right-footed end over the advancing goalkeeper to provide PSG the lead.
Auxerre pushed for a response within the closing levels, however PSG managed the ultimate minutes successfully. Doue received a free-kick deep in PSG territory throughout stoppage time, permitting the guests to run down the clock.
The consequence strikes PSG two factors clear on the high of the Ligue 1 desk, whereas Auxerre stay within the relegation zone.
