December 11, (THEWILL) — Paris Saint-Germain were forced to accept a point after a frustrating goalless draw against Athletic Club at San Mames on Wednesday evening. The Champions League holders dominated possession and created several clear opportunities but could not find a way past the hosts’ goalkeeper.
Bradley Barcola struck the crossbar during the second period, while Unai Simon produced a string of important saves to deny the French side. Fabian Ruiz fired a volley over the bar midway through the first half, and Alex Berenguer tested Matvey Safonov with a curling attempt at the opposite end.
Warren Zaire-Emery delivered an excellent cross just before the interval, yet Senny Mayulu could only direct his effort straight at Simon. The Athletic stopper was called into action again early in the second half, blocking Zaire-Emery’s powerful strike from inside the box.
Barcola came agonisingly close when he cut inside from the left flank and hammered a right-footed shot against the woodwork. The visitors continued to press for a winner but lacked the clinical edge required to break down a determined Athletic defence.
Fabian spurned a late opportunity to claim all three points for Luis Enrique’s team when he shot directly at Simon after being played through by Desire Doue. His follow-up attempt was then cleared off the line, summing up a night of missed chances for the reigning European champions.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
