Athletic Bilbao 0-0 PSG: PSG and Bilbao cancel each other out in goalless stalemate

After an impressive 5-0 victory against Habib Beye's Rennes over the weekend, the European Champions are set to take on Spanish side Athletic Bilbao at San Mamés in their sixth Champions League group stage. Luis Enrique and his side will look to claim another victory, which could guarantee them a top-8 finish and seal their spot for the knockout stage of the competition.

To do so, the Spaniard coach will rely on Matvey Safonov between the posts as the Russian international makes his second appearance of the season while Lucas Chevalier recovers from an injury. Moreover, Nuno Mendes makes his return to competition after missing a few weeks due to a muscular injury. Meanwhile, Ousmane Dembélé is ill and is not part of the group for this game, leaving Senny Mayulu to lead the front line.

Paris Saint-Germain's starting XI: Safonov; Pacho, Marquinhos, Nuno Mendes, Warren Zaire-Emery; Vitinha, Joao Neves, Fabian Ruiz; Kvaratskhelia, Barcola, Senny Mayulu.

Rennes' starting XI: Simon; Vivian, Berchiche, Areso, Adama Boiro; Jauregizar, de Galarreta, Berenguer, Sancet, Nico Williams, Guruteza.

PSG held to goalless draw at San Mamés

Despite their dominance on the ball, Luis Enrique and his side were unable to create any significant chances to score inside the first 15 minutes. However, their first half chance came after an interesting collective move, though, unfortunately for the European Champions, Fabian Ruiz failed to reach the target while being well-defended by Vivian in the box (19').

In an incandescent San Mamés, the hosts became increasingly more dangerous, relying on an efficiently run high press and pushed Safonov to a superb save on a free-kick to keep both sides level.

Just before halftime, Unai Simon delivered an outstanding save to deny Senny Mayulu from close range after a great collective move (45'). Both sides went into the break goalless, and locked in a tactical battle promising an exciting second half.

Illia Zabarnyi came on at halftime, replacing Marquinhos who suffered from a knock at the end of the first half. At the start of the second half, the visitors seemed to have taken control of the game, creating several big chances through Barcola or Warren Zaire-Emery, but these opportunities were denied by an in-form Simon.

With the game nearing its end, both sides looked to deliver the decisive blow to their opponents and opened more spaces.

Up next, Paris Saint-Germain will face relegation-threatened side FC Metz at the Saint-Symphorien Stadium on Matchday 16 of Ligue 1 McDonald's.