Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) finished their 2024/25 Ligue 1 season in style with a 3-1 comeback victory over AJ Auxerre at the Parc des Princes on Saturday night, wrapping up their domestic campaign with confidence ahead of two looming finals.
Although the Ligue 1 title had already been secured weeks earlier, the final match of the season was more than just a formality. For Luis Enrique’s side, it was a crucial tune-up ahead of the Coupe de France final against Reims and the UEFA Champions League showdown with Inter Milan.
Despite fielding a strong side, the champions were stunned in the first half by a spirited Auxerre side who opened the scoring through Lassine Sinayoko. The 24-year-old forward, in fine late-season form, netted his fifth goal of the campaign with a left-footed strike from outside the box in the 30th minute. Assisted by Gaëtan Perrin after a well-worked set piece, Sinayoko’s goal gave the visitors a shock 1-0 lead going into the break.
The first half saw PSG dominate possession but fail to make it count. Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, and João Neves all had opportunities to level the score, but Auxerre’s compact defence and alert goalkeeping kept them at bay.
But the second half belonged to the champions.
PSG came out of the break with renewed intensity, and the equalizer eventually arrived in the 60th minute. Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, a January signing who has quickly become a fan favourite, rifled a right-footed shot from outside the box into the right corner of the net after a smooth assist from Fabian Ruiz.
Buoyed by the equalizer, PSG pressed forward relentlessly. Just seven minutes later, captain Marquinhos made it 2-1 with a powerful header from close range, connecting with a well-placed cross to put the home side in front for the first time in the match.
The game could have been put to bed in the 74th minute when PSG were awarded a penalty after Nuno Mendes was fouled in the box. However, Gonçalo Ramos squandered the opportunity, his right-footed shot saved by the Auxerre goalkeeper. The Portuguese striker received a yellow card shortly after for a handball, adding to his frustrating cameo.
Nonetheless, PSG were not done. In the 88th minute, Kvaratskhelia struck again, this time firing low to the left post after being set up by substitute Senny Mayulu. The late goal secured a 3-1 win and gave PSG their 26th league victory of the season.
Luis Enrique made several substitutions in the second half, giving minutes to young players like Senny Mayulu, Warren Zaïre-Emery, and Désiré Doué, while preserving the legs of his key starters ahead of the upcoming finals.
The atmosphere at the Parc des Princes was celebratory throughout the evening. Fans waved flags and cheered for their champions, who finished the season 10 points clear at the top of the table. The title was PSG’s fourth in a row and their 12th overall, further cementing their dominance in French football.
But the season is far from over.
Having already lifted the French Super Cup in January with a win over Monaco, PSG have a chance to complete a historic quadruple. They face Reims in the Coupe de France final on May 24 before traveling to London for the UEFA Champions League final against Italian giants Inter Milan on May 31.
Victory in both would mean PSG would finish the season with four major trophies — a feat never before achieved in the club’s history.
Luis Enrique, speaking after the match, praised his players for their character and consistency. “It was important to end the season on a strong note,” he said. “Auxerre gave us a tough test, but we showed why we are champions. Now, all focus shifts to the finals. We have more history to write.”
Auxerre, who were already safe from relegation, will take heart from their fighting spirit, especially in the first half. But for PSG, the victory was about more than three points — it was about building momentum ahead of what could be a defining fortnight for the club.
In June, PSG will also participate in the revamped FIFA Club World Cup, giving them yet another shot at international glory.
With the form they displayed on Saturday, and the depth in their squad, PSG will enter the remaining fixtures of the season brimming with confidence.
Key Moments:
- 30’: Goal – Sinayoko (Auxerre) – Shock opener for the visitors from outside the box.
- 60’: Goal – Kvaratskhelia (PSG) – Brilliant long-range equalizer.
- 67’: Goal – Marquinhos (PSG) – Header from close range to make it 2-1.
- 74’: Penalty Miss – Gonçalo Ramos (PSG) – Fails to convert after Nuno Mendes was fouled.
- 88’: Goal – Kvaratskhelia (PSG) – Seals the win with a composed finish from inside the box.
PSG’s Season at a Glance:
- Ligue 1: Champions (secured with six games to spare)
- French Super Cup: Winners (January 2025)
- Coupe de France: Final vs Reims (May 24)
- Champions League: Final vs Inter Milan (May 31)
- Club World Cup: Scheduled for June
As the curtain falls on their domestic season, PSG fans dare to dream of a clean sweep — one that would mark the 2024/25 campaign as the most successful in the club’s glittering history.
