Hakimi shines with a double, PSG beats Brest 3-0
A brace in the 29th and 39th minutes, 120 touches and 94% passing accuracy helped Achraf Hakimi lead PSG to a 3-0 win over Brest at Francis-Le Ble, thereby regaining the top spot in Ligue 1.
Brest was Achraf Hakimi's night. With Paris Saint-Germain needing a win after a run of two draws in Ligue 1, the Moroccan right-back exploded with a first-half double to set the stage for a 3-0 win at Stade Francis-Le Ble and send Luis Enrique's side back to the top.
Opening: double beat sets the tempo
Hakimi opened the scoring in the 29th minute with a sharp diagonal volley after Vitinha’s assist. 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.
Development: The turning point of the missed penalty and the end
Brest had a chance to get back into the game when they were awarded a penalty in the 52nd minute after a controversial tackle on Lee. However, Romain Del Castillo slipped and sent the ball over the bar, missing the turning point. PSG maintained their advantage and sealed a 3-0 win in the 90+6' minute.
Tactical analysis: right-back playing as winger
Hakimi’s performances epitomised Enrique’s idea of using the right-back as an attacking drill. Despite starting out as a defender, he consistently occupied the right flank as a winger, actively joining in combinations and exploiting the space behind the opposition full-backs.
His 120 touches show that Hakimi is both a key player and a final stop in attacks. His five touches in the box – the same as the strikers – reflect his high receiving position and his determination to get into dangerous areas. His 94% passing accuracy and two chances created make him both a distributor and a creator.
On the other hand, Hakimi maintained his defensive discipline: he was not dribbled past once and had two shots blocked. This pair of offensive and defensive values explains why Enrique was willing to give him the privileged role on the right without adding a direct full-back.
Important statistics
| Index | Value |
|---|---|
| Score | PSG 3-0 Brest |
| Minute of scoring | 29', 39'; third goal 90+6' |
| Touch the ball | 120 |
| Touch the ball in the penalty area | 5 |
| Number of shots | 2 |
| Shot on target | 2 |
| Goal | 2 |
| Pass accuracy rate | 94% |
| Opportunities created | 2 |
| Dribbled over | 0 |
| Block the shot | 2 |
| Brest Penalty | Minute 52 – Romain Del Castillo shoots high into the sky |
Reaction: absolute trust from Enrique
Coach Luis Enrique previously affirmed: “Without a doubt, for me, he is the best right-back in the world.” He also explained the reason for not recruiting another right-back in the summer: someone coming in to back up Hakimi would be expensive and difficult to keep motivated.
Goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier commented: “He is the best right-back in the world... with the workload, with the technical quality, in small spaces... He is a modern player.”
Impact: A turning point for the race and leadership stature
The 3-0 win ended a run of draws and put PSG back on top of Ligue 1. On a personal level, Hakimi continued to solidify his credentials as one of the most complete right-backs in the game, while also putting himself in contention for the upcoming African Player of the Year contest. From his finishing to his defensive discipline, he showed his leadership qualities: leading the team with quality and consistency.
