In the fiery atmosphere of San Mamés, PSG threw everything forward but left frustrated. Up against a hyper-aggressive, compact Athletic Bilbao led by an outstanding Unai Simon, the Parisians hit the crossbar, saw shots cleared off the line, and missed several match-winning chances.
Despite a strong spell in the second half, Paris never managed to break through the Basque wall. The first half was messy: difficult passing sequences, suffocating pressure from Bilbao, and few clear chances. Safonov even had to produce a superb save on Berenguer’s curling free-kick. Just before halftime, Mayulu thought he had scored, but Simon denied him with an incredible reaction stop.
After the break, PSG shifted into a higher gear: Zaire-Emery was denied by an inspired Simon, Mayulu saw another big chance saved, Kvaratskhelia curled a beauty just past the post, and Barcola struck the crossbar.
Late in the match, Fabian Ruiz thought he had finally delivered the breakthrough, but Berchiche cleared the ball off his line. Bilbao responded with two dangerous efforts from Berenguer. Nothing changed: a frustrating 0–0.
A match dominated by PSG… but with no breakthrough
PSG starting XI in Bilbao:
Safonov – Zaïre-Emery, Marquinhos (Zabarnyi 46′), Pacho, Mendes – Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz – Barcola (Ramos 78′), Mayulu (Doué 62′), Kvaratskhelia
Substitutes: James, Marin, Zabarnyi, Mbaye, Lee, Doué, Ndjantou, Ramos
Athletic Bilbao starting XI vs PSG:
Unai Simon – Areso (Gorosabel 73′), Vivian, Berchiche, Boiro – Jauregizar (Rego 73′), Galarreta (Vesga 78′) – Berenguer, Sancet (Hierro 73′), Nico Williams – Guruzeta (Gomez 62′)
Substitutes: Santos, Padilla, Gorosabel, Vesga, I. Williams, Lekue, Gomez, Serrano, Rego, Hierro, De Luis, Sanchez
PSG player ratings
Safonov – 7
Solid performance, a huge save on the free-kick, calm in his interventions. Clean match.
Zaïre-Emery – 6
Struggled early on but improved. Had a big chance denied by Simon.
Marquinhos – 5
Short match due to injury. Serious but barely seen.
Zabarnyi – 6
Good substitute appearance, solid in duels, composed under pressure.
Pacho – 6
Assertive defensively, made several key recoveries.
Nuno Mendes – 6
Active and dangerous, suffered numerous fouls. Pushed hard down his flank.
Joao Neves – 7
The midfield conductor. Delivered a brilliant long pass to Ruiz late in the match. Technically flawless.
Vitinha – 5
Busy but less influential than usual. Poorly taken free-kick.
Fabian Ruiz – 5
A dangerous volley early on, then a huge late chance saved on the line.
Barcola – 5
Lively, struck the crossbar after a great run. Substituted.
Senny Mayulu – 5
Created three clear chances but couldn’t beat Simon. Energetic display.
Kvaratskhelia – 6
Threatening, almost scored an exceptional goal. A constant problem for Bilbao.
Doué – 5
Good impact off the bench, immediately brought energy and created a near-assist for Ruiz.
Gonçalo Ramos – 5
Decent entry but barely received the ball.
Ndjantou – N/A
Not enough time to rate.
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- Zabarnyi played with Safonov — now PSG must own the situation
- Bilbao vs PSG: the starting lineup
- PSG to Wear a Special Jersey Against Bilbao
- Champion’s League. PSG could qualify as early as tonight, here is how
- Bilbao vs PSG: Fabian Ruiz Issues a Strong Warning
