PSG are struggling with efficiency

Who would have thought that the mighty champions of France and Europe, Paris Saint-Germain, would be struggling with efficiency this season? They are scoring just over two goals per match in the league (32 goals in 15 games), compared to last season when they averaged 2.7 (92 goals in 34 matches). Key stars Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue missed a large part of the first half of the season due to injuries. Luis Enrique has experimented with numerous attacking options, often using “false nines,” but it hasn’t worked. On Wednesday, PSG were held scoreless at San Mames against Athletic Bilbao in the Champions League. In attack, the trophy-laden coach has used Mayulu, Ramos, Lee, Ndjantou, alongside regulars Bradley Barcola and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia on the wings. The Parisians were beaten in both Ligue 1 derbies away from home, against Marseille and Monaco, without finding the net. Of the 53 goals scored in all competitions, only nine have been scored by forwards. That is why Enrique has relied on creative midfielders: Neves has scored six goals, Vitinha has found the net five times, and Ruiz twice.

Portuguese striker Goncalo Ramos has been particularly disappointing. He arrived last year as the main attacking solution, but was quickly injured, missed several months, and in 2025 has struggled to find his rhythm. He has scored six goals, five of them as a substitute, and has started only seven matches this season. The issue of a central striker could be reopened next month, when the winter transfer window begins.

“We are open to all options. Always,” said Luis Enrique.

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However, the European champions’ camp has reiterated several times that there are no plans for new signings during the transfer window. Although PSG were expected to sit comfortably on the throne, the Saints are second almost halfway through the season. Sensational leaders Lens are one point ahead, while Marseille and Lille are also threatening. Still, it would take something extraordinary for the European champions not to defend the French title. At this time last season, PSG were also not particularly lethal, but in the spring they played brilliantly, won all domestic trophies, and lifted the most important one—the Champions League trophy, their first in history.

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PSG have won only four of their eight away matches this season, and have recorded just one victory in their last three games outside the City of Light—a 3–2 win over Lyon. On paper, Luis Enrique’s side have an easier task in Metz. The hosts are bottom of the table, on a run of three consecutive defeats, and have conceded the most goals in the league (34). The good news for Enrique is that Desire Doue has recovered and played half an hour in Bilbao four days ago. Ousmane Dembele has also recovered from injury, but has fallen ill and is therefore doubtful for today’s Ligue 1 Round 16 clash. The only confirmed absentee is Moroccan full-back Achraf Hakimi, who will be sidelined at least until the end of the year.

LIGUE 1 ROUND 16

Friday

Angers - Nantes 4-1 (1-0)

/Abdelli 17, Cherif 60, Harouna 85, Raolisoa 90+4 + Centonze 81/

Saturday

19.00: (1.90) Rennes (3.65) Brest (4.40)

21.00: (10.5) Metz (6.75) PSG (1.28)

23.05: (2.50) Paris (3.35) Toulouse (3.05)

Sunday

17.00: (1.60) Olympique Lyon (3.90) Le Havre (6.00)

19.15: (4.40) Auxerre (3.50) Lille (1.85)

19.15: (1.45) Lens (4.50) Nice (7.00)

19.15: (1.75) Strasbourg (3.60) Lorient (4.90)

22.45: (1.95) Olympique Marseille (3.70) Monaco (4.10)

* odds are subject to change