Paris St Germain were thwarted by their former academy goalkeeper Mory Diaw as they were held to a 0-0 draw at Ligue 1 basement side Clermont.
Luis Enrique’s side would have gone top with victory at Stade Gabriel Montpied, but could not find a way past an inspired Diaw, who began his career in PSG’s youth set-up.
The defending champions have made an indifferent start to the season, but appeared to be finding their form after last week’s thumping win against big rivals Marseille and Champions League success over Borussia Dortmund.
Clermont finished eighth in Ligue 1 last season and beat PSG 3-2 at Parc des Princes on the final day after fighting back from 2-0 down.
But they kicked off in bottom place on Saturday having taken just one point from their first six matches and were indebted to Diaw after halting a run of three straight home defeats.
He kept out Ousmane Dembele’s goalbound effort and after Clermont midfielder Max Caufriez’s shot had been deflected wide, produced more fine saves to deny Kylian Mbappe, Randal Kolo Muani and Dembele.
Clermont went close to snatching the lead early in the second half when PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma saved Shamar Nicholson’s half-volley and clawed away Yohann Magnin’s follow-up effort before Danilo hacked clear.
Diaw was at full stretch again to parry Achraf Hakimi’s shot from outside the box as the action flowed.
Cheick Konate’s angled effort was saved by Donnarumma and Mbappe was wayward from Dembele’s cutback.
Clermont had PSG scrambling in defence again in the 68th minute when Magnin’s shot was deflected for a corner.
Sensing victory was there for the taking, head coach Pascal Gastien sent on striker Elbasan Rashani for defensive midfield captain Maxime Gonalons with 20 minutes remaining.
But it was PSG who increased the tempo. Substitute Goncalo Ramos saw his close-range effort cleared off the line by Jim Allevinah after the ball had deflected off Diaw.
Mbappe’s frustrations were clear as his touchline clash with Konate sparked a mass melee in the 88th minute before PSG midfielder Danilo’s header was saved by Diaw.