Paris Saint-Germain beat Auxerre 2-0 at home on Sept. 28 (Ligue 1 Matchday 6). Center-backs Ilya Zabarnyi and Lucas Beraldo scored, solving PSG’s attacking struggles in a dominant win.
PARIS – The Parc des Princes roared to life on September 28, but not for the usual attacking stars. In Ligue 1’s sixth matchday, Paris Saint-Germain secured a 2-0 victory over Auxerre, with center-backs Ilya Zabarnyi and Lucas Beraldo stealing the show—proving defense can win games and score them, too. The win extended PSG’s strong start to the 2025-26 season, even as their attacking unit looked disjointed at times.
Zabarnyi Breaks the Deadlock: PSG Takes First-Half Lead
PSG controlled possession from kickoff, clocking in at 66% by full time, but their forwards struggled to convert chances early on. Shots flew wide, crosses missed their marks, and the crowd grew restless—until Zabarnyi turned hero in the 32nd minute. The Ukrainian defender, already a rock at the back with uncompromising tackles, rose highest to meet a pinpoint assist from Vitinha, nodding the ball past Auxerre’s goalkeeper for the opener.
The goal lit a fire under the Parc des Princes. Fans erupted, and Zabarnyi sprinted to the stands, pumping his fist. “That’s why we love this guy—solid as a brick wall defensively, and he can finish like a striker when we need it,” one fan tweeted moments later. The first half ended 1-0, with PSG leading but far from clinical, tallying 8 shots on target to Auxerre’s zero.
Beraldo Seals It: Defensive Duo Delivers Late
Auxerre pushed back in the second half, even hitting the post at one point—a scare that had PSG’s bench on their feet. Goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier, in his reserve role, made a crucial save to keep his clean sheet intact, but PSG still needed a second goal to calm nerves. Enter Lucas Beraldo.
Known for his aerial dominance, the Brazilian defender capitalized on his strength in the dying moments of the game. Though details of the goal weren’t flashy, Beraldo’s finish was ice-cold—exactly what PSG needed to put the match to bed. “Beraldo’s been quietly fantastic this season,” said former PSG defender Patrice Evra in a post-match analysis. “He’s not just stopping attacks—he’s starting (and finishing) them.” The goal sparked celebrations online, with #DefendersLeadPSG trending in France within minutes.
PSG’s Attack Stalls, But Defense Steps Up
For all PSG’s dominance, their attacking stars looked off. Lee Kang-in buzzed with energy but lacked his usual spark, while Vitinha exited early with a possible physical issue—though not before bagging that key assist. It was a reminder of one of PSG’s biggest preseason concerns: over-reliance on individual brilliance in midfield. Yet the defense turned a potential flaw into a strength.
Zabarnyi (rated 7/10) and Beraldo (6.5/10) weren’t just goal-scorers—they were immovable objects. Zabarnyi won every tackle he attempted, while Beraldo controlled aerial duels and even helped build attacks from the back. “That center-back pairing was the difference,” said a Ligue 1 analyst post-game. “Auxerre couldn’t get past them, and when PSG needed goals, those two stepped up like seasoned forwards.”
Fan Reaction: Joy, Relief, and Praise for the Backline
After the final whistle, the Parc des Princes erupted in chants of “Zabarnyi! Beraldo!” Fans took to Twitter and Facebook to gush about their unlikely heroes. “Who needs a striker when your defenders score?” joked one user. Another added, “PSG’s defense just carried us—absolute legends.” The mood was a stark contrast to recent games, where fan frustration with attacking inefficiency had boiled over.
For PSG, the win is a statement. With title rivals like Marseille strengthening their attack this summer, relying on a lockdown defense could be their secret weapon. As Zabarnyi told reporters afterward, “We train for every scenario—defending, attacking, scoring. Today, it paid off.”
As the 2025-26 Ligue 1 season unfolds, one thing is clear: PSG’s defense isn’t just stopping goals. They’re winning games. And if Saturday’s performance is any indication, the Parc des Princes might be cheering for their center-backs just as loud as their forwards all season long.