Brest vs PSG: Hakimi's Brace Secures Dominant Away Win

Paris Saint-Germain returned to winning ways in Ligue 1 with a convincing 2-0 victory over Stade Brest at the Stade Francis-Le Blé on Saturday. Achraf Hakimi's exceptional performance, including two goals, proved decisive as PSG bounced back from consecutive draws to strengthen their position near the top of the table.

Hakimi Delivers the Goods for PSG

The Moroccan international showcased his attacking prowess by scoring both goals in the first half, giving Luis Enrique's side the breathing room they needed. Hakimi opened the scoring in the 29th minute with a precise right-footed strike from the center of the box, assisted by Vitinha's through ball. He doubled PSG's advantage before halftime, once again finding the bottom corner with clinical finishing.

According to live coverage from VAVEL, Hakimi received a yellow card during the match but remained instrumental in PSG's attacking play throughout. His performance underscored why he's considered one of Europe's most dynamic full-backs, capable of impacting games at both ends of the pitch.

Timing Crucial for PSG's Title Challenge

The victory couldn't have come at a better time for PSG, who had dropped points in their previous two Ligue 1 outings against Lille and Strasbourg. As beIN SPORTS reported, Marseille's impressive form had pushed the Parisian giants into second place, making this match critical for maintaining pressure at the summit.

With just three points separating five teams at the top of the table heading into this fixture, PSG needed a statement performance. The clean sheet was equally important, with Gianluigi Donnarumma keeping Brest's attack at bay despite the home side generating several promising opportunities.

Dembélé's Return Boosts PSG Options

While Hakimi grabbed the headlines, PSG's attacking depth received a significant boost with Ousmane Dembélé's return to fitness. The 2025 Ballon d'Or winner had been sidelined for six weeks with a hamstring injury sustained during international duty. His comeback provides Enrique with crucial options as PSG navigates a demanding schedule across multiple competitions.

The Football Faithful noted that captain Marquinhos was also available for selection after recovering from a thigh problem, while midfielder Désiré Doué made an impressive return in midweek Champions League action with a brace against Bayer Leverkusen.

Injury Concerns Remain

Despite the positive team news, Luis Enrique still faces some selection headaches. Fabián Ruiz and João Neves remained injury doubts ahead of the Brest clash, though the squad's overall depth allowed PSG to field a competitive lineup. The predicted starting XI included Chevalier in goal, with Hakimi, Zabarnyi, Pacho, and Mendes forming the defensive line.

Brest's Competitive Display Falls Short

Credit must go to Brest, who entered the match on a four-game unbeaten run and created several chances throughout the contest. Romain Del Castillo, the home side's top scorer with four goals this season, tested PSG's defense with a left-footed effort from outside the box that sailed wide right in the first half.

Goal.com's pre-match analysis predicted an entertaining affair with goals at both ends, noting that both teams had been involved in high-scoring matches recently. While the final scoreline was more conservative than expected, Brest demonstrated why they've earned nine points this season and sit comfortably mid-table.

Kenny Lala came closest to breaking through PSG's defensive line with a right-footed shot from distance following a corner kick, but the visitors' backline held firm when it mattered most.

Tactical Considerations and Match Flow

The match statistics revealed PSG's dominance in possession and shot creation. The visitors averaged 14.1 shots per game this season—the highest in Ligue 1—and maintained that standard at the Stade Francis-Le Blé. Their 94.4% pass completion rate, also league-leading, allowed them to control the tempo and limit Brest's counter-attacking opportunities.

Brest's strategy of attempting 147 crosses this season (10th in the league) proved less effective against PSG's well-organized defense. The home side struggled to convert possession into clear-cut chances, managing just 9.5 shots per game on average compared to PSG's attacking output.

Looking Ahead: Title Race Implications

This victory keeps PSG firmly in the title conversation as the season approaches its crucial winter phase. With three wins from three in the Champions League, including that impressive 7-2 demolition of Bayer Leverkusen, Enrique's squad is finding rhythm across competitions.

The return of key players like Dembélé and Marquinhos strengthens PSG's hand as they prepare for upcoming fixtures against FC Lorient and Nice. The team's ability to grind out results even when not at their fluent best—evidenced by the narrow victory margin despite controlling proceedings—suggests the mental fortitude required for a sustained title challenge.

Marseille's Response Awaited

All eyes now turn to Marseille's response as they face RC Lens in their next fixture. The southern club's unexpected surge to the top of the table has added intrigue to this season's title race, with Mason Greenwood's six goals making him one of the league's most dangerous attackers.

Conclusion: PSG Back on Track

Achraf Hakimi's match-winning performance against Brest represents more than just three valuable points for Paris Saint-Germain. It signals the team's determination to reclaim their position at the Ligue 1 summit and demonstrates the squad depth that could prove decisive in a tightly contested title race. With key players returning from injury and the team's attacking options fully loaded, PSG appears well-positioned to mount a serious challenge across all competitions. However, maintaining this consistency while managing a congested fixture list will test Enrique's squad rotation skills in the weeks ahead.

For Brest, the defeat ends their unbeaten run but shouldn't overshadow a solid start to the campaign. Eric Roy's side has established themselves as competitive opponents capable of troubling any team in the division, and their 14 goals scored demonstrates attacking potential that will serve them well as the season progresses.