Paris Saint‑Germain secured a convincing 3‑0 victory over AJ Auxerre at Stade de l’Abbé‑Deschamps on 23 January 2026, extending their Ligue 1 lead to eight points. Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring, Lionel Messi added a second, and Mbappé completed the rout with a late finish, while PSG’s defense kept a clean sheet. The win also highlighted the team’s tactical flexibility and dominance in possession.
Match Overview
From the first whistle, PSG controlled the tempo, with midfield maestro Marco Verratti and dynamic Vitinha dictating possession. The back‑four of Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Sergio Ramos and Nuno Mendes neutralized Auxerre’s attacks, allowing the Parisian side to create clear scoring opportunities throughout both halves.
Key Moments
- 22nd minute: A quick one‑two between Mbappé and Messi split the defense; Messi curled a low‑driven shot into the bottom corner for the opening goal.
- 58th minute: Hakimi delivered a precise cross that found centre‑back Presnel Kimpembe, who headed the ball home from a set‑piece.
- 73rd minute: Mbappé completed his brace with a solo run and a calm finish past goalkeeper Baptiste Reynet.
Line‑ups and Tactical Overview
PSG (4‑3‑3):
- GK: Gianluigi Donnarumma
- RB: Achraf Hakimi – CB: Marquinhos, Sergio Ramos – LB: Nuno Mendes
- CDM: Marco Verratti – CM: Vitinha, Danilo Pereira
- RW: Kylian Mbappé – CF: Lionel Messi – LW: Neymar
Auxerre (4‑3‑3):
- GK: Baptiste Reynet
- RB: Bamba – CB: Bouchard, Koulouris – LB: Gomis
- CDM: Bamba (captain) – CM: Romain Faivre, Luyindama
- RW: Renaud Emond – CF: Bamba – LW: Kone
Coach Luis Enrique introduced Presnel Kimpembe in place of Danilo Pereira at the 55th minute, a change that directly contributed to the second goal.
Statistical Highlights
- Possession: PSG 71% vs Auxerre 29%
- Shots: PSG 18 (9 on target) vs Auxerre 7 (3 on target)
- Pass accuracy: PSG 89% vs Auxerre 78%
- Defensive work: Sergio Ramos recorded three interceptions and two clearances.
- Clean sheets: This marks PSG’s 19th clean sheet of the season.
Implications for the Ligue 1 Race
The victory lifts PSG to 68 points, widening the gap at the top to eight points over second‑placed Olympique Lyonnais. The three points reinforce PSG’s position as the league’s benchmark and underline their defensive resurgence under Enrique.
Auxerre remain on 31 points, still within reach of a Europa League spot but now five points above the relegation zone.
Looking Ahead
PSG’s next challenge is against Lille on 30 January, a match that could test their momentum. Auxerre will host Montpellier a week later, seeking a win to revive their mid‑table ambitions.
