Paris FC and Auxerre see out draw

Paris FC and Auxerre saw out a 1-1 draw at the Stade Jean-Bouin on Saturday evening. It means that the latter remain bottom of Ligue 1 McDonald's.

Kebbal opens the scoring for Paris FC

It was a first half of few chances. Ilan Kebbal got the opener from the penalty spot (32'). The penalty was awarded to Les Parisiens after Clément Akpa was adjudged to have handled inside his own box. The Algerian sent Donovan Leon the wrong way, as they looked to bounce back after two consecutive defeats in Ligue 1 McDonald's (1-0 versus Rennes, 4-2 versus Lille). That was Kebbal's sixth goal of the season, as he continues to try and force his way into contention at international level.

However, Stéphane Gilli's side couldn't keep hold of their lead. It was a scrappy goal that handed Auxerre the equaliser. It was Sinaly Diomandé who got the goal, heading in. Alimani Gory messed up the clearance, the duel in the box was lost by Vincent Marchetti, and then it was Moustapha Mbow who was too far away from Diomandé, whose header had just enough power to go through Obed Nkambadio and just about over the line (40').

Sékou Mara then almost gave Auxerre the lead on the stroke of half-time, but his shot was saved by Nkambadio on this occasion (45+3'). Auxerre had a couple of chances in the 48th and 72nd minute, but failed to convert, and whilst Paris FC looked dangerous in transitional phases, they struggled to carve out anything clear-cut.

Auxerre end lengthy goal drought against Paris FC

And so the spoils were shared in the French capital. Paris FC, consequently, are 12th in Ligue 1 McDonald's, whilst Auxerre, despite the point, still sit bottom. Pelissier has, however, stopped the rot. After a run of four defeats, Auxerre have now drawn their last two games in Ligue 1 McDonald's (the last coming last week against Lyon).

"I'm going to hang onto the positive [things]. We finally scored, and we got the counter ticking, even if - obviously - we would have preferred to have taken all three points," said Pélissier post-match.

That was L'AJA's first goal since 19th October and a 2-2 draw against Rennes. "When you see the players' reaction to the goal, you can see that it was playing in their heads." Having got a goal, they will now look to go in search of that all-elusive win.

The Stat: 1 0

Kebbal continued his excellent start to the Ligue 1 McDonald's season. With six goals and four assists now to his name, he has been involved in 10 goals for Paris FC. Only Rennes forward Esteban Lepaul (11) and Marseille forward Mason Greenwood (13) have been involved in more goals so far.

>> Matchday 14: what to watch out for this weekend in Ligue 1 McDonald's