Following a mid-week Champions League spectacle that saw them dismantle Bayer Leverkusen with a resounding 7-2 display, Paris Saint-Germain faced a different kind of pressure. Two consecutive draws in Ligue 1 had momentarily derailed their seemingly inevitable march at the domestic level, creating a rare window of vulnerability. Against Stade Brestois, however, PSG demonstrated that their resolve, and their individual brilliance, remain very much intact, securing a comfortable 3-0 victory that provisionally placed them back atop the French top flight.
The Initial Stalemate: Brest`s Tenacious Stand
The match at Brest began not with the expected Parisian onslaught, but with a more measured, almost cagey affair. PSG, as customary, commanded possession and established territorial supremacy. Yet, for the opening exchanges, the formidable Radosław Majecki in the Brest goal remained largely untroubled. Brest, far from being overwhelmed, displayed a spirited tenacity. Their punchy winger, Pathé Mboup, in particular, provided moments of genuine threat, hinting at a potential upset if PSG`s precision remained elusive.
It was a testament to Brest`s early organization that PSG`s first significant opportunities required individual heroics rather than seamless team play. Senny Mayulu tested Majecki, but it was clear that if PSG were to break the deadlock, it would likely come from the very players accustomed to carrying such responsibilities.
Hakimi`s Masterclass: A Brace For The Right-Back
The turning point arrived just before the half-hour mark, delivered with an elegance that defied the initial grind. Vitinha, fresh from his outstanding performance in Germany, once again provided the creative spark. His beautifully lofted pass found Achraf Hakimi, who, in an advanced position synonymous with his attacking prowess, met the ball on the volley. The Moroccan international`s strike nestled perfectly into Majecki’s bottom right corner, opening his Ligue 1 account for the season in spectacular fashion.
Hakimi, initially booked early on and showing signs of frustration, transformed his energy into sheer attacking force. Before the halftime whistle, he doubled his tally. This time, a neat one-two with the ever-dangerous Khvicha Kvaratskhelia sliced through the Brest defense, leaving Hakimi with a clear sight of goal, which he dispatched with clinical precision. It was a rapid-fire brace that underscored Luis Enrique`s recent assertion: Hakimi, indeed, is a contender for the best right-back in the world, and he certainly did little to disprove that claim on this evening.
Brest`s Missed Opportunity: The Defining Moment
Minutes into the second half, the narrative of the match teetered on a knife-edge. Lee Kang-in’s handball following Romain Del Castillo’s back-heel led to a lengthy VAR review, culminating in a penalty award for the hosts. This was Brest`s golden chance to halve the deficit, to inject a genuine spark of belief into their challenge. Del Castillo himself stepped up, the weight of the moment palpable.
But football, as it often does, delivered a cruel twist. The former Lyon and Rennes winger awkwardly lost his footing during his run-up, sending his attempt high over the crossbar. It was a moment that visibly deflated Brest’s confidence, a psychological blow from which they struggled to recover. The fleeting hope of a comeback evaporated, leaving the spirited but ultimately limited Brest side to ponder what might have been. The universe, it seemed, wasn`t quite ready for a Ligue 1 upset on this particular Saturday.
PSG`s Comfortable Cruise and Doué`s Late Flourish
With Brest`s confidence shattered, PSG settled into a comfortable rhythm, circulating the ball with ease and managing the game effectively. Opportunities for a third goal arose, with Khvicha Kvaratskelia notably missing a chance to put the game truly to bed. This allowed Luis Enrique the luxury of rotating his squad, providing valuable minutes to returning players like Ousmane Dembélé and Marquinhos, who made their Ligue 1 comebacks after spells on the sidelines. The depth of PSG`s roster, even with key figures rested, remains a formidable advantage.
The final act of the match belonged to substitute Désiré Doué. After rattling the post with a cross that demonstrated his intent, Doué finally made his mark in the dying seconds, sealing the victory with a composed finish. It was a goal that put a definitive exclamation point on a performance characterized by moments of individual brilliance, rather than a relentless collective siege.
Back On Top, For Now
In the end, PSG`s journey to the top of Ligue 1 is a familiar one. Their 3-0 victory over Brest, while perhaps not their most aesthetically dazzling performance of the season, was ruthlessly efficient. It highlighted the undeniable quality of players like Achraf Hakimi, whose individual genius can unlock even the most stubborn defenses. Brest, despite their commendable effort and a pivotal missed opportunity, simply could not match the Parisian machine.
As the final whistle blew, PSG had provisionally clawed their way back to the summit of Ligue 1, awaiting the outcome of Marseille’s subsequent fixture. For Les Parisiens, it was less a dramatic ascent and more a comfortable return to their customary perch, a reaffirmation that even with occasional wobbles, the road to the title often runs through the capital.
