Hakimi leads the way as PSG ease past Brest to go top

After their midweek demolition of Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain kept their momentum rolling in Ligue 1 with a comfortable 3-0 victory away to Stade Brestois on Saturday afternoon. Achraf Hakimi scored twice in the first half before Desire Doué added a late third, as Luis Enrique’s men reclaimed top spot in the table ahead of Marseille’s clash with Lens later in the evening.

The visitors made only minor changes from their European masterclass, with Lucas Chevalier starting in goal and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Bradley Barcola leading the attack. Brest, buoyed by a four-match unbeaten run, began with intent but were quickly pinned back by PSG’s fluid movement and superior technical quality.

It was Hakimi who broke the deadlock on 29 minutes, latching onto a sublime lofted pass from Vitinha before guiding the ball past Majecki with his right foot. The Moroccan — captaining the side — doubled the lead ten minutes later after fine work from Kvaratskhelia, who dazzled on the left before combining neatly with Hakimi for the full-back to fire home from close range “He plays every game and performs every game,” said Luis Enrique post-match. “Today he defended more like a true full-back and did it perfectly.”

Brest’s best chance came shortly after the hour when Romain Del Castillo saw his penalty slip away — quite literally — as he lost his footing and struck the ball twice, leading to a free kick for PSG. That miss summed up an afternoon of frustration for Éric Roy’s men, who struggled to create clear chances despite their work rate and organisation.

Substitute Desire Doué sealed the win in stoppage time, latching onto a pass from Warren Zaïre-Emery before finishing calmly to make it 3-0. The teenager had already hit the post minutes earlier in an energetic cameo that underlined PSG’s squad depth. “We defended very well — that’s why we won the game,” Luis Enrique added. “It’s never easy against Ajorque, but we were strong on the second balls.”

Hakimi, named among the contenders for the African Ballon d’Or, reflected on his form after the final whistle. “I feel good. The coach puts us all in the best conditions to perform. If the African Ballon d’Or comes, it will be a pleasure.”

The result lifts PSG back to the summit with 27 points from 12 matches, one ahead of OM pending their result against Lens. For Brest, this was a reminder of the level required to challenge France’s champions-elect — even on home soil.

THE STAT:

Achraf Hakimi (PSG) has scored his first two goals in Ligue 1 2025-26, his third brace in the top-flight after those against Metz in September 2021 and Lyon last February. No defender has scored more braces in Ligue 1 in the 21st century (three also for Loic Perrin).