They surprised many in progressing through qualifying to this point but were unable to cope with a strong French side who now take their place in the group stages.

It was a much more positive French team than the one which Derry held to a goalless draw two weeks in the Brandywell Stadium, having made four changes with Portuguese international striker Pauleta, Bernard Mendy, Cisse and Bonaventure Kalou all starting.

PSG took the lead in the sixth minute when Edouard Cisse headed in Paulo Cesar’s corner despite the best efforts of Derry midfielder Barry Molloy.

The Irish struggled to retain any sort of meaningful possession and only once in the opening exchanges did they manage to even force a corner, which came to nothing.

PSG were happy to retain possession and, once they had the lead, shoot from long distance.

But they were able to use their advantage in physical strength and Bonaventure Kalou should have done better after muscling his way past full-back Eddie McCallion in the 28th minute but he chose to shoot early from just outside the area and David Forde was able to get down in time to save.

Derry hit back with their first really positive move of the game in the 33rd minute when winger Killian Brennan found the space on the left to whip over a cross to the back post and although lone striker Gary Beckett, sandwiched between two defenders, hurled himself at the ball he could not quite get a touch.

The hosts went into half-time with a comfortable lead as, in the 41st minute, Cesar’s free-kick picked out Pauleta and he fired through a crowd of players.

PSG maintained their pressure after the interval and Pauleta came close to adding a second in the 48th minute but could not connect with Kalou’s cross.

Kevin Deery tried his luck from over 40 yards two minutes later but the ball flew the wrong side of the post.

Darren Kelly then cleared off the line from Cristian Rodrigues, who had replaced Pauleta, before in the last minute the same player went clear but fired into the side-netting.