Auxerre 0-1 PSG: Paris Saint-Germain edge past Auxerre

Paris is set to take on 17th-placed AJ Auxerre at the Abbé-Deschamps Stadium on Matchday 19 of Ligue 1 McDonald's. The Parisians will have the chance to take back the top spot of the league with a win ahead of RC Lens' clash against third-placed Marseille.

Mid-week, Luis Enrique and his team suffered a frustrating last-gasp 2-1 defeat at the hands of Sporting Lisbon and missed a chance to secure their spot in the top 8 of the League phase. For this game, the Spaniard coach had seven players unavailable due to injuries and made numerous changes to his starting lineup.

Gonçalo Ramos will lead the front line alongside Barcola and Kvaratskhelia while Ibrahim Mbaye makes his return to the team, starting in midfield with Vitinha and Senny Mayulu. Additionally, Lucas Beraldo and Illia Zabarnyi will partner in the heart of PSG's backline while Marquinhos and Pacho are rested ahead of the Champions League clash against Newcastle.

Paris Saint-Germain's starting XI: Chevalier; Beraldo, Zabarnyi, Hernandez, Warren Zaire-Emery; Ibrahim Mbaye, Vitinha, Mayulu; Kvaratskhelia, Gonçalo Ramos, Barcola.

Auxerre's starting XI: Leon; Senaya, Diomandé, Akpa, Mensah, Lamine Sy; Danois, Ahamada, Sinayoko, El Azzouzi; Namaso.

PSG edged past relegation-threatened Auxerre

Less than two minutes into the contest, Bradley Barcola had two massive chances to give the lead to his side but the France international was each time denied by Auxerre's goalkeeper Leon (2'). Later, an incredible solo effort from Kvaratskhelia who dribbled past four Auxerre defender saw the Georgian's shot be blocked at the last second when goal seemed forthcoming.

In the first 30 minutes of the game, the visitors were overwhelmingly dominant on the ball, yet, Auxerre managed to create several dangerous situations through fastbreaks but failed to record any significant shots. Then came the biggest occasion of the first half as Ramos' header was superbly saved by Donovan Leon on his line following a corner.

The opening 15 minutes of the second half were once again dominated by the European Champions but it was Auxerre who at times seemed more dangerous when breaking forward. The hosts, desperately needing points were holding their own against Luis Enrique and his team.

The double substitutions of Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembélé helped PSG be more dominant while creating increasingly more chances but the team lacked efficiency in front of goal to finally break the deadlock and take the lead.

Finally, a thunderous fastbreak saw Bradley Barcola finally open the score for PSG (80'). After a corner for Auxerre, Ousmane Dembélé delivered a remarkable assist to Barcola who then managed to beat Leon to put the ball at the back of the net.

Up next, Paris will hosts Premier League side Newcastle at the Parc des Princes in their last League Phase game of the Champions League, in a crucial game to secure a spot in the top 8, which would guarantee a direct knockout stage qualification for the European Champions.