Fri Jan 23 19:00:00 UTC 2026: ### Barcola’s Late Goal Secures PSG Victory Over Stubborn Auxerre

The Story:
Paris Saint-Germain narrowly defeated Auxerre 1-0 on Saturday, with Bradley Barcola’s late goal securing a crucial victory. The win propelled PSG to the top of Ligue 1, surpassing Lens, who are set to face Marseille. Despite Auxerre’s lowly position in the league, they proved to be a difficult opponent, frustrating PSG’s attempts to dominate. PSG’s coach, Luis Enrique, made several changes to the starting lineup, seemingly to give rest for some players to prepare for Wednesday’s Champions League match against Newcastle.

Key Points:

  • Bradley Barcola scored the winning goal in the 79th minute.
  • PSG’s victory moved them to the top of Ligue 1.
  • Auxerre put up a strong defensive performance, preventing PSG from scoring for most of the match.
  • Luis Enrique made several changes to the PSG lineup, resting key players such as Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes, Fabián Ruiz, Désiré Doué, and Ousmane Dembélé.
  • The match took place at Stade de l’Abbe-Deschamps in Auxerre.
  • PSG faces Newcastle in the Champions League on Wednesday.
  • Auxerre had not won against PSG since March 2011.

Key Takeaways:

  • PSG’s depth allows them to rotate players and still secure victories, even if not convincingly.
  • Auxerre’s resilient defense highlights their fighting spirit despite their league position.
  • The upcoming Champions League match against Newcastle is a significant priority for PSG, influencing team selection.
  • Barcola is becoming an increasingly important player for PSG, delivering key goals.
  • Even against lower-ranked teams, winning in professional soccer requires perseverance and exploiting late opportunities.

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