PSG Fire Blanks Again as Athletic Hold On in a Frustrating Night in Bilbao
PSG Start Bright but Lacking Precision
Paris Saint-Germain arrived in Bilbao with the best attack in the Champions League, yet somehow looked strangely blunt from the opening whistle.
Without the ill Ousmane Dembélé, Luis Enrique’s side pushed forward but found little rhythm. Fabián Ruiz blasted two efforts over, while Oihan Sancet missed a big chance for Athletic at the other end.
As the first half drifted into stoppage time, PSG finally carved out a clear opening. Warren Zaïre-Emery whipped in a perfect ball and Senny Mayulu struck first-time, only for Unai Simón to drop low and produce the first of many key saves.
Simon Shuts Down PSG After the Break
The second half belonged almost entirely to PSG — but Simón refused to be beaten. Mayulu again found himself unmarked, only for the Athletic goalkeeper to stand firm. Moments later, Zaïre-Emery unleashed a powerful drive that Simón parried away with authority. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia curled just wide, and PSG continued to increase the pressure. The breakthrough looked inevitable.
Barcola Hits the Bar as Chances Keep Slipping
The moment PSG fans will replay came in the 65th minute.Bradley Barcola burst down the left, cut inside and hammered a shot from close range — only to see it smash off the crossbar and fly away.
It summed up PSG’s night. Bright ideas. Good positions. No finish.Luis Enrique turned to Désiré Doué and Gonçalo Ramos, searching for any spark. But with each missed chance, Athletic grew braver and more controlled.
Athletic Threaten Late, PSG Left Frustrated
The Basque side nearly punished PSG’s wastefulness when Álex Berenguer curled inches over with 10 minutes remaining.PSG’s final chance came in the 87th minute when Ruiz’s effort was saved and his follow-up was cleared off the line by Yuri Berchiche.
And that was that. A goalless draw, the second time in three matches PSG failed to score — and a costly stumble with the playoff zone just a point behind them.
