PARIS: Achraf Hakimi delivered a standout performance on Friday, scoring a hat-trick as a heavily rotated Paris Saint-Germain side thrashed bottom-placed Le Havre 5-1 in Ligue 1.
PSG’s closest challengers, Rennes, lost 5-2 away to Nice, leaving them four points behind the league leaders. Meanwhile, Olivier Giroud scored a late winner to secure Lille a 1-0 victory over Lens and move them into second place.
PSG Extend Winning Run
PSG have now won six consecutive league matches after a slow start to the season. They lead the standings with 20 points, while Lille have 18 and Rennes remain on 16.
Monaco could join Lille on 18 points if they defeat Paris FC on Sunday.
Despite sitting at the bottom of the table with only two points, Le Havre started brightly and took the lead in the 18th minute. Josh Maja finished a promising attack to put the home side ahead against the run of play.
PSG responded quickly, with Belgian winger Mika Godts racing onto a pass from Hakimi before equalising in the 26th minute.
Hakimi Takes Control
Just two minutes later, Hakimi put PSG ahead with a powerful low shot that slipped inside the near post.
The Moroccan international continued to trouble Le Havre’s defence and extended the visitors’ advantage with a fierce free-kick that curled low past goalkeeper Arnaud Bodard.
Le Havre pushed forward in an attempt to recover, but their attacking approach left space for PSG to exploit.
Senny Mayulu took advantage of the situation shortly after the hour mark, rounding Bodard before finishing from distance to make it 4-1.
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Hat-Trick Seals Victory
Hakimi completed his hat-trick in the 69th minute. After Bodard saved his initial effort, the ball rebounded off the PSG defender and looped into the net.
The right-back had little time to enjoy the moment before coach Luis Enrique substituted him.
Explaining Hakimi’s attacking role, Enrique said the player was effectively a striker when PSG had possession but was required to defend when the team lost the ball.
PSG Manage Squad Carefully
Enrique rested several key players, including Désiré Doué, Vitinha and João Neves, who remained on the bench. Ousmane Dembélé missed the match through injury.
PSG also face uncertainty over Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who reportedly tore his anterior cruciate ligament during the previous week’s Champions League victory over Barcelona and could miss the remainder of the season.
Giroud Decides Lille Derby
Elsewhere, 40-year-old Olivier Giroud came off the bench to score the decisive goal in Lille’s 1-0 home victory over Lens.
The former World Cup and Champions League winner scored his third goal of the season, settling a closely contested match and helping Lille strengthen their position near the top of the table.
Rennes, meanwhile, missed the opportunity to keep pace with PSG after their 5-2 defeat at Nice.
