Ligue 1 matchday 23 team of the week : Auxerre’s crucial weekend in the spotlight

As the 23rd matchday of Ligue 1 unfolded, Auxerre’s remarkable performance stole the spotlight, showcasing their resilience and tactical prowess. The team’s outstanding display not only secured a crucial victory but also placed their manager and two players in the coveted team of the week. Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain’s stars continued to shine, with three of their players earning well-deserved recognition.

In Short

Auxerre’s tactical masterclass against marseille

In a stunning turn of events, Auxerre delivered a tactical masterclass against Olympique de Marseille, securing a 3-0 victory in their Ligue 1 clash. The match, played on February 22, 2025, saw Auxerre’s captain Jubal emerge as the standout performer, demonstrating both defensive excellence and offensive prowess. The Brazilian defender’s visionary leadership and goal-scoring ability proved instrumental in dismantling Marseille’s attacking threats.

Jubal’s remarkable performance included a well-executed penalty and a powerful header from a corner kick, completing a brace that left Marseille’s defense in disarray. His anticipation of the match’s outcome was nothing short of prophetic, as he had shared his predictions with his wife and goalkeeper Donovan Léon before the game. This victory not only boosted Auxerre’s position in the league but also highlighted the team’s collective strength and strategic acumen.

The clean sheet achieved by Auxerre further emphasized their defensive solidity, with Jubal’s contributions extending beyond his goal-scoring exploits. His tally of five goals this season, including four in 2025 alone, has catapulted him to the top of the scoring charts among defenders in Europe’s top five leagues. This feat underscores the versatility and attacking threat that modern defenders bring to their teams, challenging traditional notions of defensive roles in football.

Paris saint-germain’s continued dominance

While Auxerre basked in the glory of their unexpected triumph, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) reinforced their status as league frontrunners with a hard-fought 3-2 victory against Olympique Lyonnais. The match, which took place on February 23, 2025, showcased the Parisian club’s resilience and offensive firepower, with Ousmane Dembélé playing a pivotal role in securing the win.

Dembélé’s performance was particularly noteworthy, as he netted PSG’s second goal of the night, adding to his impressive tally for the season. The French international’s consistency has been remarkable, maintaining his position at the top of L’Équipe’s player ratings with an average score of 6.73. This achievement reflects not only his individual brilliance but also his vital contribution to PSG’s title aspirations.

The inclusion of three PSG players in the team of the week further emphasizes the club’s depth and quality across all areas of the pitch. Their ability to dominate matches and secure crucial victories, even in challenging away fixtures, serves as a testament to their championship credentials. As the season progresses, PSG’s blend of star power and tactical discipline continues to set them apart from their competitors in the race for the Ligue 1 title.

Rising stars and tactical innovations

The 23rd matchday of Ligue 1 also highlighted the emergence of promising talents and tactical innovations across the league. One such standout performer was Lille’s Hakon Haraldsson, whose versatility and goal-scoring ability came to the fore in their crucial 2-1 victory against AS Monaco on February 21, 2025. The Icelandic midfielder, deployed as a left winger in a 4-4-2 formation, demonstrated his adaptability by netting a brace, earning him a coveted spot in the team of the week.

Haraldsson’s journey since his €15 million transfer to Lille in the summer of 2024 has been marked by both promise and challenges. After a strong start, a foot injury in the autumn temporarily halted his progress. However, his recent performances, including the stellar display against Monaco, have showcased his potential to become a key player for Lille. With an average rating of 5.62, placing him 18th among Ligue 1 outfield players, Haraldsson’s trajectory suggests a bright future ahead.

The tactical flexibility demonstrated by teams like Lille, employing players in unconventional roles to maximize their strengths, reflects a broader trend in Ligue 1. Managers are increasingly willing to experiment with formations and player positions, seeking to gain a competitive edge in a league known for its tactical diversity and young talent. This approach not only enhances team performance but also accelerates the development of versatile players capable of excelling in multiple roles.

Impact on the ligue 1 landscape

As the 2024-2025 Ligue 1 season enters its critical phase, the outcomes of matchday 23 have significantly impacted the league standings and team dynamics. Auxerre’s emphatic victory over Marseille has not only boosted their survival hopes but also injected new life into the relegation battle. This result serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of French football, where underdogs can topple giants on any given matchday.

The ripple effects of Auxerre’s triumph extend beyond their own campaign, influencing the European qualification race. Marseille’s setback has opened the door for other contenders to close the gap in the battle for Champions League spots. Teams like Rennes, who recently defeated Reims to resume their winning streak, are now presented with a golden opportunity to climb the table and challenge for European positions.

Meanwhile, PSG’s victory over Lyon has further solidified their position at the summit of Ligue 1. The Parisians’ ability to secure crucial away wins against direct competitors underscores their title credentials and puts additional pressure on their rivals. As the season progresses, the focus will intensify on the chasing pack, with teams like Marseille, who previously strengthened their grip on second place, now facing renewed challenges to maintain their position.

The performance of individual players highlighted in the team of the week also sheds light on potential transfer targets for clubs both within Ligue 1 and across Europe. The likes of Jubal and Haraldsson have undoubtedly attracted attention from scouts, potentially setting the stage for intriguing transfer sagas in the upcoming windows. As the season unfolds, the interplay between individual brilliance and team tactics will continue to shape the narrative of Ligue 1, promising an exciting conclusion to what has already been a captivating campaign.