PSG 3-1 Auxerre: Kvaratskhelia Shines in Ligue 1 Finale

PSG 3-1 Auxerre: Kvaratskhelia Shines in Ligue 1 Finale.

Goals and Highlights: PSG 3-1 Auxerre in Ligue 1 2024/25

                    On May 18, 2025, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) concluded their triumphant 2024/25 Ligue 1 campaign with a 3-1 comeback victory over AJ Auxerre at the Parc des Princes.

Having already secured their fourth consecutive Ligue 1 title with six games to spare, PSG used this match as a vital tune-up for their upcoming Coupe de France and UEFA Champions League finals. Despite a shock first-half deficit courtesy of Lassine Sinayoko’s goal, PSG roared back with second-half strikes from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (twice) and Marquinhos to seal their 26th league win of the season. This comprehensive coverage captures the goals, key moments, and highlights as they unfolded, showcasing PSG’s depth and determination ahead of their quest for a potential quadruple.

Pre-Match Build-Up

7:00 PM IST (3:30 PM CET): The Parc des Princes is buzzing with anticipation as PSG prepare to close out their Ligue 1 season against Auxerre. With the title secured on April 5 after a 2-0 win over Angers, PSG’s focus is on maintaining momentum for their Coupe de France final against Reims on May 24 and the Champions League final against Inter Milan on May 31. Fans are also excited about the prospect of a fourth trophy at the FIFA Club World Cup in June, following their French Supercup triumph in January.

Auxerre, safely mid-table with no relegation concerns, aim to end their campaign on a high. Under Christophe Pélissier, they rely on the pace of Lassine Sinayoko and the creativity of Gaëtan Perrin to challenge PSG’s star-studded lineup. Posts on X reflect the mood: “PSG will cruise, but Auxerre could sneak a goal. #Ligue1” 

7:30 PM IST: Team news is announced. PSG field a strong 4-3-3: Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Skriniar, Mendes; Vitinha, Ugarte, Lee Kang-in; Dembélé, Ramos, Kvaratskhelia. Auxerre opt for a 4-2-3-1: Léon; Joly, Jubal, Pellenard, Mensah; Owusu, Raveloson; Perrin, Hein, Sinayoko; Bair.

7:45 PM IST: Luis Enrique emphasizes squad rotation to keep players fresh, with Kylian Mbappé rested on the bench. Auxerre’s Pélissier vows to “play without fear” against the champions. The referee, Clément Turpin, leads the teams out to a roaring crowd under clear Parisian skies.

First Half: Auxerre’s Shock Lead

8:00 PM IST (4:30 PM CET): Kick-off! PSG dominate early possession, with Vitinha and Lee Kang-in dictating play. Auxerre sit deep, looking to hit on the counter.

8:05 PM IST: PSG’s first chance. Dembélé cuts inside from the right and curls a shot just wide of Léon’s post. Auxerre struggle to get out of their half, with PSG’s pressing relentless.

8:12 PM IST: Auxerre show signs of life. Sinayoko’s pace troubles Skriniar, and his cross is headed over by Bair. PSG’s high line looks vulnerable to quick transitions.

8:18 PM IST: GOAL! Auxerre 1-0 PSG (Sinayoko, 18’). Against the run of play, Auxerre stun the Parc des Princes! Perrin’s diagonal pass finds Sinayoko, who outpaces Marquinhos and slots a low shot past Donnarumma into the bottom corner. It’s Sinayoko’s fifth goal of the season, and Auxerre fans in the away end erupt.

8:22 PM IST: PSG push back. Kvaratskhelia’s free-kick is tipped over by Léon, and Marquinhos heads wide from the resulting corner. Auxerre’s defense, led by Jubal, holds firm.

8:28 PM IST: Controversy! Ramos goes down in the box after a challenge from Pellenard, but Turpin waves play on. VAR checks and confirms no penalty, prompting boos from the home crowd. X users react: “Clear penalty! Refs hate PSG!” 

8:34 PM IST: Auxerre nearly double their lead. Hein’s shot from distance forces Donnarumma into a diving save. PSG look rattled, with Ugarte misplacing passes in midfield.

8:40 PM IST: PSG create a golden opportunity. Hakimi’s overlapping run sets up Ramos, whose header is straight at Léon. Auxerre’s goalkeeper is standing tall.

8:45 PM IST: Three minutes of added time. Dembélé’s long-range effort is deflected wide, but Auxerre clear the corner. Turpin blows for half-time. Half-Time: PSG 0-1 Auxerre. Sinayoko’s goal gives Auxerre a shock lead, but PSG’s dominance (68% possession, 8 shots) suggests a second-half fightback.

Half-Time Analysis

9:00 PM IST: Pundits on Canal+ praise Auxerre’s bravery but warn they’ll need to withstand PSG’s inevitable response. “Kvaratskhelia and Dembélé need to be more clinical,” notes Thierry Henry. On X, PSG fans are frustrated: “How are we losing to Auxerre? Wake up!” (@ParisUltras). Auxerre supporters are jubilant: “Sinayoko is our king! Hold on, boys! #AJA” 

Second Half: PSG’s Comeback

9:15 PM IST: The second half begins. PSG make a change: Mbappé replaces Lee Kang-in to inject pace and flair. Auxerre stick with their starting XI, trusting their defensive resolve.

9:20 PM IST: PSG level the score! GOAL! PSG 1-1 Auxerre (Kvaratskhelia, 50’). Mbappé’s introduction sparks immediate impact. He drives down the left, cuts back to Kvaratskhelia, who flicks the ball past Jubal and drills a low shot into the bottom corner. The Parc des Princes roars back to life.

9:25 PM IST: PSG’s pressure intensifies. Dembélé’s cross finds Ramos, but Léon saves brilliantly. Auxerre can’t get out of their half, with Owusu and Raveloson overrun in midfield.

9:28 PM IST: GOAL! PSG 2-1 Auxerre (Marquinhos, 58’). PSG take the lead! Vitinha’s corner is met by Marquinhos, who rises above Pellenard to head powerfully past Léon. The captain’s goal completes the turnaround in just eight minutes.

9:34 PM IST: Auxerre attempt a response. Sinayoko’s shot is blocked by Skriniar, and Perrin’s follow-up is off-target. PSG’s defense, marshaled by Marquinhos, looks solid.

9:40 PM IST: Penalty to PSG! Mbappé is clipped by Mensah in the box, and Turpin points to the spot. VAR confirms the decision. Ramos steps up but skies the penalty over the bar, a rare miss for the Portuguese striker. Enrique buries his head in his hands.

9:45 PM IST: Auxerre make changes: Danois replaces Bair, and Zedadka comes on for Perrin to add fresh legs. PSG introduce Zaïre-Emery for Ugarte to maintain midfield control.

9:50 PM IST: PSG dominate possession at 74%, with Auxerre resorting to long balls. Mbappé’s curling shot is tipped over by Léon, who keeps Auxerre in the game.

9:58 PM IST: GOAL! PSG 3-1 Auxerre (Kvaratskhelia, 88’). Kvaratskhelia seals the win! Hakimi’s overlapping run creates space, and his cut-back finds Kvaratskhelia, who slots home his second goal with a cool finish. The January signing’s brace ensures PSG’s victory.

10:00 PM IST: Five minutes of added time. Auxerre push for a consolation, but Donnarumma saves comfortably from Danois. PSG see out the game with ease.

Full-Time: PSG 3-1 Auxerre. PSG end their Ligue 1 campaign with a hard-fought comeback, thanks to Kvaratskhelia’s brace and Marquinhos’ header. Auxerre’s spirited effort falls short, but Sinayoko’s goal highlights their potential.


Post-Match Reactions

10:15 PM IST: The Parc des Princes salutes PSG’s players as they take a lap of honor. Kvaratskhelia is named Player of the Match for his two goals, while Marquinhos earns praise for his leadership. Luis Enrique reflects: “We started slowly, but the team showed character. This sets us up well for the finals.”

10:20 PM IST: Christophe Pélissier is proud of Auxerre’s effort: “We challenged the champions and scored first. Our players gave everything.” Sinayoko’s stock rises after another clinical finish.

10:25 PM IST: On X, PSG fans celebrate: “Kvaratskhelia is a gem! Ready for the finals! #PSG” (@PSGForever). Auxerre supporters applaud their team: “Sinayoko gave PSG a scare. Great season! #AJA” (@AuxerrePride).

10:30 PM IST: Pundits on beIN Sports highlight PSG’s depth, with Mbappé’s impact off the bench and Kvaratskhelia’s growing influence. Auxerre’s mid-table finish is lauded as a success for the promoted side.

Key Moments Recap


· 18’: Lassine Sinayoko stuns PSG with a low finish to give Auxerre a 1-0 lead.

· 50’: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia equalizes with a sharp strike, assisted by Mbappé.

· 58’: Marquinhos heads PSG into the lead from Vitinha’s corner.

· 65’: Gonçalo Ramos misses a penalty, keeping Auxerre in contention.

· 88’: Kvaratskhelia scores his second to secure PSG’s 3-1 victory.

Match Statistics

· Possession: PSG 74%, Auxerre 26%

· Shots: PSG 20 (8 on target), Auxerre 6 (3 on target)

· Corners: PSG 7, Auxerre 2

· Fouls: PSG 12, Auxerre 15

· Pass Accuracy: PSG 90%, Auxerre 78%