Athletic attacking prowess puts paid to PSG

Athletic Club moved three points clear atop UEFA Europa League Group F with a 2-0 win against Paris Saint-Germain FC.

Currently winless in the Spanish Liga, Athletic are enjoying contrasting fortunes in Europe and were worthy winners against the Ligue 1 co-leaders. First-half goals from Igor Gabilondo and Markel Susaeta were enough to see off a PSG side whose task was made even harder when Mohamed Sissoko was sent off after the break.

With eight wins in their last ten outings in all competitions, Antoine Kombouaré's side were the form team, yet it was Athletic – second from bottom in the domestic standings – who stunned their visitors with impressive fluency from the off.

Fernando Llorente twice spurned chances to give his side an early lead before the opening goal arrived in the 20th minute. Andoni Iraola fed Llorente, who in turn released Óscar de Marcos, whose lofted cross to the far post was spectacularly volleyed in by Gabilondo.

PSG rallied and shortly after Nenê's free-kick was tipped over by Gorka Iraizoz, Siaka Tiéné was allowed space to run into the penalty area before shooting over the crossbar. It was brief respite for the visitors, who conceded again shortly before the break, Susaeta connecting with Jon Aurtenetxe's whipped centre from the left.

Frustration set in for PSG after the restart when Sissoko received a second yellow for a foul on the energetic Iker Muniain. As the half progressed, De Marcos could have added a third but blasted wide from a central position, with Ibai Gómez heading narrowly wide before the end.

It mattered little for Marcelo Bielsa's side, who now top the Group F standings ahead of successive encounters against FC Salzburg. PSG will look to lift themselves at ŠK Slovan Bratislava on 20 October.