Superb Simon guides Athletic to PSG draw

Spain's goalkeeper Unai Simon delivered an outstanding display to secure a goalless draw for Athletic Bilbao against Champions League champions Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.

The 28-year-old made several crucial stops in the Basque region to maintain the home team's chances of qualifying for the play-off stage.

Although the French side were held back by Athletic and Simon, they climbed to third position in the standings with two league phase matches remaining, such as the away game against Sporting Lisbon on January 20 and the home fixture versus Newcastle a week later, positioning them well to advance to the knockout rounds.

"We always aim for a win," Vitinha commented to Canal+.

"The challenge in a Champions League match like this is that failing to score makes things tough.

"We squandered numerous opportunities, which can occur, but that is what decides such contests," added the Portuguese midfielder.

Spanish player Alex Berenguer retained his spot on the right flank for Ernesto Valverde's team after netting his initial league goal this campaign in the previous Saturday's 1-0 victory at home over Atletico Madrid.

Portugal's Nuno Mendes returned to the starting lineup at left-back for the away team, having sat out their previous two league matches due to a thigh injury.

Ballon d'Or recipient Ousmane Dembele sat out because of an illness.

The most promising opportunity in the first 30 minutes came for PSG's Fabian Ruiz, but he failed to connect properly with a half-volley following Senny Mayulu's lofted ball.

Just moments before half-time, the 56-capped international Simon faced his first real test, denying Mayulu's close-range attempt after the visitors had difficulty coping with the hosts' intense pressing throughout the opening period.

Three minutes into the second half, Mayulu compelled Simon to produce another excellent save, the 19-year-old charging into the penalty area before the goalkeeper's brilliant intervention.

With 30 minutes remaining, Luis Enrique substituted Desire Doue for Mayulu, marking the Frenchman's return since a hamstring problem on October 29, in search of a goal.

Simon was outjumped in the latter stages, yet Bradley Barcola's strike hit the crossbar and bounced away.

In the final four minutes, Simon sprang into action again, stopping Ruiz's shot before skipper Yuri Berchiche cleared the rebound off the goal line.