Paris Saint-Germain edged Auxerre 1-0 in Ligue 1, yet Luis Enrique accepted confidence remained low. Bradley Barcola struck the winner on 79 minutes, lifting PSG two points clear of Lens before Lens meet
Marseille on Saturday, but the performance highlighted issues in attack despite the valuable return to the top of the table.
The victory moved PSG to 45 points from 19 league matches, a tally that has proved decisive in recent seasons. Each of the last eight Ligue 1 teams to reach at least 45 points at this stage went on to win the title, with Lyon doing so once and PSG achieving that feat on seven separate occasions.
Underlying numbers showed PSG created enough to win more comfortably against Auxerre. Luis Enrique’s side generated 2.07 expected goals from 16 attempts, with eight efforts on target. Auxerre goalkeeper Donovan Leon responded with seven saves, his second-highest total in a Ligue 1 match across the last decade, behind his 11 stops against PSG in December 2024.
| Team / Player | Statistic | Figure |
|---|---|---|
| PSG | Expected goals (xG) | 2.07 |
| PSG | Total shots / on target | 16 / 8 |
| Bradley Barcola | Ligue 1 goals (career) | 30 |
| Bradley Barcola | Shots / on target vs Auxerre | 5 / 3 |
| Bradley Barcola | Touches in opposition box | 7 |
| Bradley Barcola | Big chances | 4 |
| Donovan Leon | Saves vs PSG | 7 |
Barcola played a central role throughout the contest, not just with the decisive goal. The forward reached 30 Ligue 1 goals in total, five scored for Lyon and 25 now for PSG. Against Auxerre, Barcola attempted five shots, hit three on target and registered seven touches in the opposition box, while also creating four big chances, a league-high figure for the 2025-26 campaign.
#AJAPSG pic.twitter.com/cOTG83P5dCParis Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) January 23, 2026
Despite the narrow margin, Luis Enrique stressed the importance of overtaking Lens again in the standings. The head coach said, "I think its very clear, its a special moment. We put pressure on Lens, thats the main thing," underlining the psychological value of leading the title race at this point of the season.
Enrique also described the ongoing issues affecting PSG’s attacking play and decision-making. "Its difficult, theres a lack of confidence and precision to finish chances, it was complicated. You need confidence to face this type of situation. In the first fifteen minutes, we had chances but we missed them, they defended well. After that, we lost possession, we need to keep improving because this is happening at a difficult time; it's a time when we are imprecise. "
PSG therefore left Auxerre with three points, increased pressure on Lens and a strong statistical position in the title race, yet also with clear areas to address. Luis Enrique highlighted that confidence, sharper finishing and improved control in possession must develop soon if PSG are to match historical patterns and convert their current Ligue 1 lead into another championship.
