Barcola scores winner as PSG beat Auxerre to return to the top of Ligue 1

Coach Luis Enrique said Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) lacked confidence despite Bradley Barcola’s deft finish sending the champions back to the top of Ligue 1 with a 1-0 win away to Auxerre on Friday.

The 23-year-old winger was the biggest threat as PSG attacked the home goal throughout 90 minutes.

But until Barcola struck ten minutes from time, it looked like the hosts would hold on to a 0-0 draw against their illustrious visitor for the second year running, thanks in part to a particularly inspired performance from Auxerre goalkeeper Donovan Leon.

Enrique was unimpressed by what he saw, despite the victory putting PSG, at least temporarily, back above Lens, who could return to the top of the league on Saturday with an away victory against third-placed Marseille.

«I think it’s very clear, it’s a strange moment. We are putting pressure on Lens, which is essential,» said Enrique, whose side suffered a shock 1-2 defeat to Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League in midweek.

«We lack a bit of confidence and accuracy to finish chances, it was difficult,» he added.

«The players are not machines. Today we were not accurate with our passing and ball movements. We can change that because everyone knows the individual quality we have in the team.»

Auxerre, in turn, remains stuck in the relegation zone, six points from safety.

Barcola threat

PSG got off to a thrilling start and could have taken a three-goal lead within ten minutes. Barcola were twice thwarted by Leon, while a sliding Sinaly Diomande blocked Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s goal attempt.

Leon was in action again just before the half-hour mark to parry a close-range header from Goncalo Ramos.

The goalkeeper also made a double save with his legs in a chaotic goalmouth play to deny Kvaratskhelia and teenage talent Ibrahim Mbaye.

After the break the chances kept coming as Barcola fired a shot wide and Kvaratskhelia’s effort went just past the post.

Barcola also saw a chip fall painfully onto the roof of the net.

For Auxerre, Danny Namaso and Lassine Sinayoko had speculative shots that did not trouble Lucas Chevalier in the PSG goal.

Barcola was the biggest danger and another dart down the wing saw him whip a cross past Leon, who had made a rash sprint from his penalty area, but substitute Desire Doue somehow poked wide of an empty net from the six-yard box.

Barcola was undeniable, however, as Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé sent him clear after Auxerre was caught on the counter-attack having committed too many bodies on a corner.

Published on January 24, 2026