Hakimi shines with a brace as PSG beat Brest 3-0.
A brace in the 29th and 39th minutes, 120 touches, and a 94% pass accuracy helped Achraf Hakimi lead PSG to a 3-0 victory over Brest at Francis-Le Ble, reclaiming the top spot in Ligue 1.
The night in Brest was Achraf Hakimi's night. With Paris Saint-Germain needing a win after two draws in Ligue 1, the Moroccan right-back exploded with a brace in the first half, setting the stage for a 3-0 victory at the Francis-Le Ble stadium and propelling Luis Enrique's side back to the top of the table.
Opening: A double that determined the rhythm.
Hakimi opened the scoring in the 29th minute with a sharp angled volley after an assist from Vitinha. Just 10 minutes later, in the 39th minute, he doubled the lead with a decisive, cool finish. Two shots, two on target, two goals – the performance of a top striker, but coming from a right-back.
The events unfolded as a turning point: a missed penalty and the end of the road.
Brest had a chance to get back into play when they were awarded a penalty in the 52nd minute after a controversial play involving Lee. However, Romain Del Castillo slipped and sent the ball over the crossbar, missing a crucial moment. PSG held on to their lead and sealed a 3-0 victory in the 90+6th minute.
Tactical analysis: right-back playing as a winger
Hakimi's performance is a microcosm of Enrique's idea of using the right-back as an attacking spearhead. Despite starting as a defender, he consistently occupies the right flank in the position of a winger, actively participating in passing combinations and exploiting the space behind the opposing full-back.
The 120 touches demonstrate Hakimi's role as both a key player in build-up play and a crucial finishing touch in attacking moves. His five touches in the penalty area – on par with forwards – reflect his high-positioned ball reception and determination to penetrate dangerous zones. His 94% pass accuracy and two chances created make him both a key distributor and a source of attacking flair.
Conversely, Hakimi maintained defensive discipline: he wasn't dribbled past even once and made two saves. This combination of attacking and defensive values explains why Enrique was willing to give him the exclusive right-back role without needing to add another full-back to compete directly with him.
Key statistics
| Index | Value |
|---|---|
| Score | PSG 3-0 Brest |
| Goal scorer's minute | 29', 39'; third goal 90+6' |
| Touch of the ball | 120 |
| Touching the ball inside the penalty area. | 5 |
| Number of shots | 2 |
| Shot on target | 2 |
| Goal | 2 |
| Passing accuracy rate | 94% |
| Opportunities created | 2 |
| Being dragged over someone. | 0 |
| Block the shot | 2 |
| Brest penalty | 52nd minute – Romain Del Castillo shoots over the bar. |
Reaction: Enrique's absolute belief
Coach Luis Enrique had previously stated: "Without a doubt, for me, he is the best right-back in the world." He also explained the reason for not signing another right-back in the summer: bringing in someone to be a backup for Hakimi would be costly and difficult to maintain motivation.
Goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier commented: “He is the best right-back in the world... with the workload, with the technical quality, in tight spaces... He is a modern player.”
Impact: A turning point for the race and the stature of a leader.
The 3-0 victory ended a losing streak, putting PSG back at the top of Ligue 1. Individually, Hakimi further solidified his reputation as one of the most complete right-backs currently available, and is now a strong contender for the upcoming African Player of the Year award. From his finishing efficiency to his defensive discipline, he demonstrated leadership qualities: leading the team with quality and consistency.
