January 23, 2026 — Auxerre, France — Paris Saint Germain opened Ligue 1 matchday 19 with a narrow 1–0 away win over Auxerre, securing three points after a tense and closely contested match on Friday night.
Auxerre made things difficult from the start, defending compactly and pressing aggressively whenever PSG attempted to settle into possession. Clear chances were limited, and the home side looked capable of holding the league leaders for long periods.
Barcola breaks the deadlock
The decisive moment came through Bradley Barcola, whose goal proved enough to separate the two sides. His finish finally broke Auxerre’s resistance in a match where space in the final third was hard to find.
Despite taking the lead, PSG were unable to fully control the tempo. Auxerre continued to push forward, forcing PSG to remain alert defensively until the closing moments.
A difficult night away from home
The match highlighted PSG’s ongoing challenges when facing well organized teams on the road. Possession was often slow, and Auxerre’s structure limited PSG’s usual attacking rhythm.
Late pressure from the hosts tested PSG’s back line, but the visitors held firm to protect their advantage and see out the win.
Relief inside the PSG camp
The final whistle brought visible relief for PSG, particularly among the younger players. Midfielder Senny Mayulu described the victory as a major lift, given the physical nature of the contest and the intensity of the atmosphere.
While the performance left room for improvement, the result allows PSG to maintain momentum as the Ligue 1 title race continues.
Looking ahead
PSG now turn their attention to the next league fixture with confidence boosted by a hard earned away win. Auxerre, despite the defeat, will take positives from a disciplined display that pushed the champions all the way.
The 1–0 result may have been narrow, but it delivered exactly what PSG needed to start matchday 19 on the right foot.
