Paris Saint-Germain Remains Unsuccessful, Settles for Draw Against Auxerre

Paris Saint-Germain faced frustration as they were unable to find the back of the net in a 0-0 draw against Auxerre on Friday. Despite the Ligue 1 leaders dominating possession and creating several goal-scoring opportunities, they were ultimately thwarted by the opposition's goalkeeper and their own lack of clinical finishing. The result marks PSG's second consecutive draw in the domestic league, coming on the heels of a disappointing 1-0 loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Despite these setbacks, manager Luis Enrique's side remains unbeaten in Ligue 1 and holds a commanding eight-point lead over their closest rivals. With Monaco and Marseille set to play over the weekend, PSG will be hoping to maintain their advantage at the top of the table. The team's focus will now shift to their upcoming Champions League fixture, as they look to bounce back from their recent European defeat and continue their pursuit of continental success.

Of more pressing concern to the Qatar-backed club are their continuing difficulties in front of goal, with PSG now having scored just once in three outings.

"I have nothing to reproach my players for. They gave everything. I am not going to criticise them, even internally," said Luis Enrique.

The return of a genuine number nine in Portugal striker Goncalo Ramos after over three months out injured has so far failed to fix their lack of a goal threat, however.

Held 1-1 at home by struggling Nantes last week, this time PSG saw Vitinha hit the woodwork in the second half, while Auxerre goalkeeper Donovan Leon made several key saves to keep the visitors at bay in Burgundy.

Leon notably saved from Ramos and Achraf Hakimi before preventing substitute Randal Kolo Muani from snatching victory at the death.

"The result does not reflect what we saw on the pitch," Luis Enrique added. "Don't forget that we were up against the second-best team at home."

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Auxerre are enjoying a fine season on their return to the top flight following promotion, and sit just outside the European places.

"It is just one point but it feels more like three," admitted Auxerre coach Christophe Pelissier.

PSG will need to rediscover a clinical edge in time for Tuesday's trip to Austria to play Salzburg in the Champions League.

The French champions have just four points after five games in Europe's elite club competition and realistically need at least two wins from their remaining three fixtures if they are to reach the knockout phase.

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Earlier, Lille moved level on points with Marseille and Monaco as Canada striker Jonathan David scored twice, including a penalty, in a 3-1 home win over mid-table Brest.

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Lille host Sturm Graz in the Champions League next Wednesday, with Brest taking on PSV Eindhoven 24 hours earlier.

(This story has not been edited by staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)