Athletic Bilbao vs PSG – Match Summary
Paris Saint-Germain were left frustrated at San Mamés as they were held to a 0–0 draw by a resilient Athletic Bilbao. Despite dominating possession (72%) and creating 5 Big Chances, Luis Enrique’s side could not find a way past Unai Simón, who produced a string of crucial saves. Bradley Barcola hit the woodwork, but the Basques held firm to secure a hard-fought point in front of over 51,000 fans.
Athletic Bilbao vs PSG – Final Score
Athletic Bilbao 0–0 PSG
(HT: 0–0)
Goals:
- None
Athletic Bilbao vs PSG – Timeline & Events
- 27’ — 🟨 Card: Mikel Jauregizar (ATH) is booked for a late challenge.
- 30’ — 🟨 Card: Warren Zaïre-Emery (PSG) receives a yellow for roughing.
- 46’ — 🔄 Sub: Marquinhos comes off at halftime (injury concern), replaced by Zabarnyi.
- 53’ — 🧤 SAVE! Unai Simón denies Zaïre-Emery from close range.
- 61’ — 🧤 SAVE! Another massive stop from Simón to deny a header from Senny Mayulu.
- 65’ — 🪵 WOODWORK! Bradley Barcola weaves through the defense but his shot crashes off the crossbar.
- 90+3’ — 🟨 Card: Unai Gómez (ATH) is booked for a foul in the dying moments.
First Half Analysis
The first half followed a clear pattern: PSG controlled the tempo with their passing carousel, while Bilbao defended deep. PSG had early chances through Zaïre-Emery and Mayulu, but lacked the clinical edge. The game was physical, with both Jauregizar and Zaïre-Emery entering the referee’s book. Bilbao threatened sporadically on the break but failed to register a shot on target.
Second Half Analysis
The siege continued after the break. PSG generated an xG of 2.05 by the end but simply couldn’t score. Bradley Barcola was the biggest threat, rattling the crossbar in the 65th minute. Athletic Bilbao defended heroically, with their backline clearing 21 balls and Unai Simón acting as the final wall.
xG Reality Check: Athletic Bilbao 0.56 | PSG 2.05
Key Match Factors
- PSG’s Wastefulness: The Parisians created 5 Big Chances but converted zero.
- The Wall of Bilbao: Unai Simón made 4 saves and prevented 1.76 xGOT.
- Possession Dominance: PSG held 72% possession and completed nearly 600 passes, suffocating Bilbao but failing to kill the game.
- San Mamés Atmosphere: The home crowd played a huge part in keeping the energy high for the Bilbao defense during difficult spells.
Player of the Match
🏆 Unai Simón (Athletic Bilbao)
The hero of the night. Made 4 crucial saves and commanded his box perfectly to deny PSG’s relentless attacks.
Athletic Bilbao vs PSG – Player Ratings
| Athletic Bilbao | Rating | PSG | Rating |
| Simón (MOTM) | 8.0 | Safonov | 6.5 |
| Areso | 6.5 | Zaïre-Emery | 7.0 |
| Vivian | 7.5 | Marquinhos | 6.5 |
| Berchiche | 7.0 | Pacho | 7.0 |
| Boiro | 6.5 | Mendes | 7.0 |
| Jauregizar | 6.0 | Neves | 7.5 |
| Ruiz de Galarreta | 6.5 | Vitinha | 7.0 |
| Berenguer | 6.5 | Ruiz | 6.5 |
| Sancet | 6.0 | Barcola | 7.0 |
| N. Williams | 6.5 | Mayulu | 5.5 |
| Guruzeta | 6.0 | Doué (Sub) | 7.9 |
Athletic Bilbao vs PSG – Match Stats
| Stat | Athletic Bilbao | PSG |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 0.56 | 2.05 |
| xG on Target (xGOT) | 0.77 | 1.76 |
| Possession | 28% | 72% |
| Total Shots | 9 | 18 |
| Shots on Target | 1 | 5 |
| Big Chances | 0 | 5 |
| Corners | 6 | 4 |
| Passes (Accuracy) | 186 (74%) | 597 (87%) |
| Fouls | 21 | 4 |
| Yellow Cards | 3 | 1 |
| Goalkeeper Saves | 4 | 1 |
Top 5 Performers
- Unai Simón (ATH): Kept the clean sheet almost single-handedly.
- Désiré Doué (PSG): Came off the bench and made a huge impact (7.9 rating).
- João Neves (PSG): Controlled the midfield with high passing volume.
- Dani Vivian (ATH): A rock at the back, winning key aerial duels.
- Bradley Barcola (PSG): The most dangerous attacker, unlucky to hit the bar.
Underperformers / Weak Links
- Senny Mayulu (PSG): Missed huge chances, including a free header, and struggled to finish (Rating: 5.5).
- Athletic Bilbao Attack: Only managed 1 shot on target and created 0 Big Chances.
Substitutions Impact
- Désiré Doué (PSG): Replaced Mayulu (62′) and was PSG’s best player in the final 30 minutes. (Rating: 7.9)
- Ilya Zabarnyi (PSG): Replaced Marquinhos at HT and was solid defensively. (Rating: 6.8)
- Asier Hierro (ATH): Came on to shore up the midfield. (Rating: 6.9)
Tactical Breakdown
Athletic Bilbao:
- Low Block: Sat extremely deep (only 28% possession) and absorbed pressure.
- Physicality: Committed 21 fouls to break up PSG’s rhythm.
PSG:
- Total Control: Dominated the ball but lacked the “killer instinct” in the box.
- Overloading: Pushed high with Mendes and Zaïre-Emery, leaving them vulnerable to counters, though Bilbao failed to capitalize.
What This Result Means
- PSG: Remain in 3rd place (13 pts) and are cruising toward the knockout stages.
- Athletic Bilbao: Sit in 28th place (5 pts) and are in danger of missing the playoff cut.
Athletic Bilbao vs PSG – FAQs
Q: Who won the Athletic Bilbao vs PSG match?
A: The match ended in a 0–0 draw.
Q: Who was the Player of the Match?
A: Unai Simón (Athletic Bilbao) for his 4 saves and clean sheet.
Q: What was the xG (Expected Goals) for the match?
A: Athletic Bilbao 0.56 – 2.05 PSG.
Q: Did PSG hit the post?
A: Yes, Bradley Barcola hit the crossbar in the 65th minute.
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