This Saturday, Paris Saint-Germain faces Auxerre at the Parc des Princes (kick-off at 9 pm, broadcast on Ligue 1+) for Matchday 1 of the 2025-2026 Champions League. And as before every match, here’s a look at PSG’s opponent.
Auxerre’s situation –
Ten years after relegation to Ligue 2 and after a sometimes very difficult season, AJ Auxerre “finally” returned to Ligue 1 for the 2022-2023 season. This was a huge boost for this historically important club, which had sometimes come close to relegation to the National league.
Except that they were relegated again…only to bounce back in the 2024-2025 season, having finished first in Ligue 2 the previous year. This time, the promotion was a success, with an 11th-place finish. Now, the challenge is to build on this momentum and solidify their position among the elite.
This is the mission of coach Christophe Pélissier, who took over in October 2022 from Jean-Marc Furlan. The season started promisingly, with some quality play, but they lacked efficiency. This led to doubts and a slide down the standings. Today, Auxerre is struggling and ranked 17th. In the Coupe de France, their run ended in the Round of 32.
Summer Transfer Window 2025 –
Source: Transfermarkt.
Departures:
Arrivals:
Winter Transfer Window 2025-2026 –
Source: Transfermarkt.
Departures:
Arrivals:
Key Statistics –
This season, Auxerre has the 18th best attack in Ligue 1 with 14 goals scored (the best, Marseille, has 41, and the second-to-last, Le Havre, has 16), and the 11th best defense with 28 goals conceded (Lens has the best defense with 13 goals conceded, and the worst, Metz, has 40).
Auxerre’s top scorer is Lassine Sinayoko (26-year-old striker), with 6 goals, placing him 10th in the league (the top scorer in Ligue 1 is Mason Greenwood with 12 goals). Ibrahim Osman (21-year-old striker) is the club’s top assist provider, with 2 assists, placing him 32nd in Ligue 1 (Vitinha is top with 6 assists).
Auxerre’s last 5 matches –
Only Auxerre’s possession is shown, and Auxerre’s shots are listed first (when data is available).
07/12/2025 (Ligue 1) – Auxerre/Metz: 3-1. Playing a 4-3-3 formation. 38% possession. 11 shots, 7 on target, compared to 6 shots (4 on target).
14/12/2025 (Ligue 1) – Auxerre (down to 10 men in the 60th minute, 1-1, then down to 9 men in the 88th minute, 3-4)/Lille (down to 10 men in the 39th minute, 0-1, then down to 9 men in the 88th minute, 3-4): 3-4. Playing a 4-3-3 formation. 47% possession. 17 shots, 10 on target, compared to 7 shots (5 on target).
December 21, 2025 (French Cup) – Auxerre/Monaco: 1-2. Playing a 4-3-3 formation. 15 shots, 7 on target, compared to 17 shots (9 on target).
January 4, 2026 (Ligue 1) – Brest/Auxerre: 2-0. Playing a 4-3-3 formation. 51% possession. 5 shots, 1 on target, compared to 10 shots (4 on target).
17/01/2026 (Ligue 1) – Lens/Auxerre: 1-0. In a 5-3-2 formation. 51% possession. 2 shots, 0 on target, compared to 15 shots (6 on target).
The squad –
Unavailable – Buayi-Kiala, Sierralta (injury).
It should be noted that coach Christophe Pélissier indicated yesterday in a press conference that Danny Namaso is ill, with a decision to be made today.
The probable lineup in a 5-3-2 formation.
Mara – Sinayoko
Danois – Owusu – El-Azzouzi
Oppegard – Akpa – Diomandé – Senaya – Sy
Léon
Auxerre’s playing style.
Auxerre clearly isn’t looking to dominate possession. Their strategy is to defend well first, then attack as quickly as possible after winning the ball back. They won’t hesitate to play long balls, using the wings. PSG should be wary of a deep-lying defense and must maintain their tempo. Mistakes could be quickly exploited. They will need maximum concentration and precision to avoid being caught out.
