Paris Saint-Germain returned to winning ways in Ligue 1 with a 2-0 victory over Auxerre, but the match was marred by injury worries for Vitinha and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Vitinha played a pivotal role early on, delivering the perfect cross for Illia Zabarnyi to score, but the PSG captain was forced off after 36 minutes, raising concerns over his fitness ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Barcelona.
Kvaratskhelia was also substituted at half-time, appearing to struggle with a thigh issue, adding to PSG’s growing injury list that already includes Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, João Neves, and Marquinhos.
After Monday’s 1-0 defeat at Marseille, PSG needed a strong response, and Lucas Beraldo’s goal after the interval helped the Parisians secure all three points.
Beraldo replaced the injured Marquinhos at the Parc des Princes and had an early header saved before contributing decisively later in the game.
The opening goal came in the 32nd minute when Vitinha, instead of shooting from the edge of the area, floated a precise cross for Zabarnyi, who volleyed home his first goal since joining from Bournemouth.
Shortly after, Vitinha was withdrawn and replaced by Achraf Hakimi, who took over as captain and nearly added to PSG’s tally before the break.
Kvaratskhelia’s departure at half-time saw Bradley Barcola enter, and he immediately threatened with a one-on-one chance against Auxerre goalkeeper Donovan Léon, only for his effort to be saved.
Beraldo eventually doubled PSG’s lead in the 54th minute, heading Senny Mayulu’s cross past Francisco Sierralta.
Auxerre came close to a reply before the hour mark when Kévin Danois’ long-range strike hit the post, denying them a lifeline. Beraldo later required treatment for a head clash with Sékou Mara, while Hakimi had a goal disallowed for offside after chipping over Léon.
Teenage forward Quentin Ndjantou made his PSG debut late in the match and tested Léon, who also had to make a brilliant save in stoppage time to keep the clean sheet intact.
With the win, PSG bounced back after their loss to Marseille, but the injuries to Vitinha and Kvaratskhelia could complicate their preparations ahead of a crucial Champions League fixture.
