Paris Saint-Germain fired blanks for the second time in three matches, settling for a frustrating goalless draw against Athletic Bilbao in their Champions League clash.
Luis Enrique’s men, who had scored in all but one of their first 19 fixtures across competitions this season, once again struggled in front of goal.
Just 11 days after a 1-0 Ligue 1 defeat to Monaco, the Parisians failed to find the net in Europe despite producing several clear openings.
PSG carved out enough chances to win comfortably, especially after the break, but Athletic goalkeeper Unai Simón delivered an inspired performance, and Bradley Barcola’s thunderous effort rattled the crossbar in what was arguably the best chance of the night.
The stalemate leaves the French champions only a point above ninth place as they battle to avoid a playoff spot.
Despite being this season’s highest scorers in the Champions League with 19 goals, PSG — without Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé due to illness — could not add to their tally in the Basque Country.
The first half was energetic but light on opportunities. Fabián Ruiz fired over twice for the visitors, while Oihan Sancet lifted his attempt too high after being set up by Gorka Guruzeta.
PSG nearly snatched the lead in first-half stoppage time when Warren Zaire-Emery whipped in a cross from the right, met first-time by Senny Mayulu, but Simón reacted sharply to save.
That moment foreshadowed a dominant second half for PSG.
Simón again thwarted Mayulu early after the restart when the forward latched onto Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s delivery.
The Georgian then set up Zaire-Emery, whose fierce strike from the edge of the box was parried clear. Moments later, Kvaratskhelia curled an effort narrowly wide.
PSG’s pressure continued, and Barcola nearly broke the deadlock in the 65th minute, racing down the left only to see his close-range shot cannon off the bar.
Seeking a breakthrough, Luis Enrique introduced Désiré Doué and later Gonçalo Ramos, but the goal never arrived. Instead, Athletic grew braver and almost stunned the visitors in the 80th minute when Álex Berenguer sent a curling effort just over.
With three minutes remaining, Simón pulled off yet another key stop to deny Ruiz, and Yuri Berchiche cleared the midfielder’s scuffed rebound off the line as Athletic held firm to secure their fifth point of the campaign.
The hosts survived the late storm, while PSG were left to rue a night when chances came freely but goals did not.
