Ligue 1

PSG returns to the top of Ligue 1 after late win at Auxerre

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PSG's Bradley Barcola, right, celebrates with teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia after scoring his side's third goal during the French League One soccer match between Paris Saint Germain and Le Havre in Paris, France, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard) (Aurelien Morissard/AP)

AUXERRE, France (AP) — Bradley Barcola scored his second goal in two games to give Paris Saint-Germain a late win over lowly Auxerre and return to the top of Ligue 1 on Friday.

Barcola rescued PSG when, with the match heading to a 0-0 draw, he finished a counterattack in the 79th minute and squeezed the ball over the advancing goalkeeper.

Until then, second-to-last Auxerre had frustrated second-from-top PSG without threatening to score. Auxerre did not have a shot on target all night at Stade de L’Abbé-Deschamps.

Barcola’s sixth goal of the season capped a fine performance, although the winger will rue missed chances that could have secured the three points earlier.

The result took PSG two points ahead of surprise pace-setter Lens, which faces a difficult tie at third-placed Marseille on Saturday.

Auxerre remained above only last-placed Metz on goal difference.

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The Associated Press