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PSG: Hakimi nets hat-trick as Enrique sets club record
PSG’s Hakimi to face rap£ trial as France’s top court rejects appeal

Achraf Hakimi delivered the performance of his career on Friday night, scoring his first professional hat-trick and providing two assists as Paris Saint-Germain came from behind to thrash Le Havre 5-1 in the French Ligue 1.

The Moroccan right-back was directly involved in all five goals as the defending champions recovered from an early setback at the Stade Océane to strengthen their position at the top of the league table. Blueprint reports

The victory also provided another historic moment for PSG manager Luis Enrique, who became the most successful manager in the club’s history in terms of victories, reaching 127 wins in 188 matches in charge.

The result extended PSG’s winning run in all competitions to nine matches and took their tally to 20 points from nine league games, keeping them two points ahead of second-placed Lille and four clear of Rennes.

For Hakimi, however, the night belonged to him in a manner few could have anticipated before kick-off. Having started the encounter without a goal this season, the defender ended it with three goals and two assists, producing an extraordinary individual display that effectively decided the contest.

Le Havre strike first as PSG face early test

Despite entering the match as overwhelming favourites, PSG were initially made to work for the victory by a Le Havre side desperate to halt a difficult run of results.

The hosts, who were bottom of the table with only two points, stunned the visitors in the 18th minute when Josh Maja opened the scoring.

The goal followed a turnover in possession by Senny Mayulu in an advanced area. Rayan Fofana capitalised on the opportunity, driving forward before delivering a cross that Maja converted to give Le Havre a surprising lead.

The home supporters had reason to believe their team could produce an upset, particularly as PSG were without some regular players because of injuries and had made changes to their starting line-up.

However, the visitors responded with the composure and attacking quality expected of the reigning French and European champions.

Their equaliser arrived in the 26th minute, with Hakimi beginning what would become a remarkable night. The defender controlled Lucas Hernandez’s long pass before squaring the ball for Belgian winger Mika Godts, who finished into the bottom-left corner to restore parity.

Two minutes later, PSG completed the turnaround. Mayulu released Hakimi, who advanced towards goal and beat goalkeeper Arnaud Bodart at his near post to put the visitors ahead.

The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but a VAR review overturned the decision, allowing PSG to take a 2-1 lead.

Hakimi’s free-kick extends PSG’s advantage

PSG returned from the break with greater control and quickly increased their advantage through another moment of individual brilliance from Hakimi.

In the 55th minute, the Moroccan defender stepped forward to take a free-kick after Amir Richardson fouled Maghnes Akliouche near the edge of the penalty area.

Hakimi produced a superbly measured effort, curling the ball into the bottom-right corner beyond Bodart’s reach to make it 3-1.

It was a striking demonstration of his attacking ability, with the right-back showing the confidence and technical quality usually associated with specialist forwards.

Le Havre attempted to respond and came close to reducing the deficit when Maja met a cross from Djibril Ouziad with a header that struck the outside of the left post.

That opportunity proved costly for the hosts, as PSG immediately punished them with a devastating counter-attack.

Mayulu joins the scoring as Hakimi completes historic treble

The decisive moment came in the 62nd minute, just after Le Havre had missed their chance to make it 3-2.

Hakimi initiated the counter-attack with a through ball that caught Bodart out of position as the goalkeeper rushed away from his goal to intercept the move.

Mayulu reached the ball ahead of the goalkeeper, touched it beyond him and calmly rolled it into the unguarded net from distance to make it 4-1.

The goal was another indication of PSG’s ability to turn defensive pressure into attacking opportunities within seconds.

Hakimi then completed his personal milestone in the 69th minute to make it five.

After Godts delivered a low cross, Hakimi’s initial effort was saved by Bodart, but the rebound struck the defender’s right thigh and deflected into the net.

Although the finish was not as spectacular as his earlier goals, it completed the first hat-trick of his professional career and capped a performance in which he contributed directly to every PSG goal.

The Moroccan had two assists and three goals, an exceptional return for a player whose primary responsibility is in defence.

Enrique sets new PSG managerial record

While Hakimi dominated the headlines on the pitch, the result also marked a significant achievement for Enrique.

The Spanish tactician recorded his 127th victory in 188 matches as PSG manager, becoming the coach with the highest number of wins in the club’s history.

His achievement reflects the consistency PSG have maintained under his leadership, particularly as the club continues to combine domestic ambitions with the demands of European competition.

Enrique has also placed emphasis on squad depth, tactical flexibility and the contribution of younger players, qualities that were evident against Le Havre.

With several regular first-team players unavailable through injury, PSG were still able to produce a convincing performance, while players with limited playing time were given opportunities to make an impression.

Reacting to the victory, Enrique acknowledged the importance of having a competitive squad capable of delivering results despite changes to the starting line-up.

He said: “I am happy because some players had very little playing time. If we want to win trophies, we need everyone.”

The manager also praised the quality of his players and expressed satisfaction with the opportunity to continue making history at the club.

“I’m lucky enough to manage a club of this level and to have incredible players. I’m very happy and I hope to continue making history in Paris,” he said.

Hakimi celebrates first career hat-trick

For Hakimi, the achievement carried a personal significance beyond the three points secured by PSG.

The defender admitted that scoring his first career hat-trick made the evening particularly special, although he was quick to recognise the collective effort behind the victory.

“It was a very good performance from the whole team, we’re very happy. It wasn’t easy, we started by conceding a goal, but we showed our spirit and had the right attitude to get back into the game. That’s what matters most,” he said.

“It’s a great evening for me, especially because it’s my first hat-trick. I’m happy and I hope to score as many goals as possible in this shirt.”

His performance further underlined the attacking influence he brings to PSG from the right side of defence, where his pace, movement and ability to join forward attacks have made him an important part of Enrique’s system.

PSG strengthen grip on Ligue 1 summit

The victory was also significant in the context of the Ligue 1 title race.

PSG moved to 20 points after nine matches, opening a two-point advantage over Lille, who climbed to second place following a 1-0 victory over RC Lens.

Veteran striker Olivier Giroud scored the decisive goal in the 86th minute to secure the win for Lille, while Rennes, who had been among PSG’s closest challengers, suffered a 5-2 defeat away to Nice and remained on 16 points.

The result therefore gave PSG an opportunity to consolidate their position at the summit as the season progresses.

For Le Havre, the defeat extended their losing streak to five matches and left them bottom of the standings with just two points.

Their early lead had briefly raised hopes of a positive result, but the gulf in quality and PSG’s response eventually proved decisive.

With nine consecutive victories in all competitions, Enrique’s men appear to be gathering momentum, while the manager’s record-breaking achievement and Hakimi’s historic hat-trick provided two major talking points from an emphatic night in France.

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