ATHLETIC CLUB managed to keep Paris Saint-Germain goalless in a tough Champions League match at San Mames. This was the third straight time Athletic had failed to score in a major European competition, a record they've never faced before. Still, they earned plenty of praise for their gritty performance and resilience.
Despite their struggles in European competitions this season—only one win, one draw, and three losses so far—there was a strong atmosphere at San Mames, and the home players seemed to be motivated by it.
They pressed the visitors hard but in a smart and controlled way. Both teams struggled to create much quality in the final third.
PSG were missing key players like Ousmane Dembele and Achraf Hakimi, while Athletic had Robert Navarro out. The first real test for the goalkeepers came in the 31st minute when Alex Berenguer took a daring free-kick that PSG's substitute goalkeeper, Matvey Safonov, barely saved. Unai Simon had to dive in just before halftime to stop Senny Mayulu's shot from close range.
Mayulu had another good chance shortly after the break, and he felt he should have scored, but Simon saved again.
Just before that, Joao Neves thought he had a penalty after being tripped by Yuri Berchiche, but the referee didn't give it. Simon showed why he's Spain's top goalkeeper, making a strong save against Warren Zaïre-Emery and also stopping Bradley Barcola's follow-up shot from hitting the net.
Athletic didn't enjoy seeing Desire Doue come on, but the Frenchman didn't have much to do.
In the second half, Athletic seemed to gain more confidence but didn’t show much attacking creativity. Simon made another smart save from Fabian Ruiz, and Berchiche cleared the follow-up shot.
This was the first time PSG had failed to score in a UCL away match since November 2024.
Even though they're still third in the group table, Athletic are struggling, sitting in 28th place, outside the play-off spots.