PSG had the perfect opportunity to seal the deal in Bilbao. A win, and Paris would have secured their place in the next phase of the Champions League. But against a relentless Athletic side and an unbeatable Unai Simon, the Parisians hit a wall. The 0–0 draw at San Mamés leaves a bitter taste: Paris is still well positioned… but direct qualification is no longer guaranteed.
The missed match point: PSG let the chance slip in Bilbao — qualification now under pressure. The situation is now simple: win one of the last two matches — against Sporting Portugal or Newcastle — and PSG will secure progression. Two wins would even open the door to a Top 8 finish, meaning direct access to the round of 16 without going through the February play-offs. For now, Paris sits in the play-off zone, a scenario Luis Enrique would love to avoid.
PSG must avoid defeat
The draw in Bilbao changes the equation. Paris still has a margin, but no longer controls its fate. A draw could be enough if other results fall their way. But one misstep would put PSG under real pressure: lose a match, and they would absolutely need to win the final one to survive.
With 13 points and two games remaining, PSG cannot fall out of the Top 24 — meaning they are guaranteed at least a play-off spot. But for the reigning European champions, anything short of a Top 8 finish would feel like a setback.
A perfect scenario wasted
The dream scenario vanished in Spain. A win would have offered a calm, clean qualification. Instead, PSG will have to fight until the very end. The path is still open… but the pressure is rising fast.
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