BREST, France (AP) — Two goals from the Moroccan defender gave Paris Saint-Germain a 3-0 win in Brest on Saturday, showcasing Achraf Hakimi’s impressive attacking flair, and put them one point behind leaders Reims. League 1.
After defeating Bayer Leverkusen 7-2 in the Champions League in midweek, PSG continued their momentum with another dominant performance in domestic competition.
Hakimi, solid right-back who also scored goals in the Champions League final Last season, PSG took the lead in the 29th minute with a right-footed volley past the defense from a deft pass from Vicinha. Ten minutes later, Hakimi doubled the lead with a powerful shot from close range, after Hviča Kvaratskhelia caused havoc.
These were Hakimi’s first league goals of the season and his third double in the French top flight. No defender in Ligue 1 in the 21st century has scored more doubles.
Desire Duet sealed the win in stoppage time minutes after he hit the post, returning the defending champions to winning ways in the league after two consecutive draws.
Marseille, playing after PSG, had a chance to regain the lead but lost 2-1 against Reims.
Brest, who had suffered their fourth defeat in nine league games, had a golden opportunity from the penalty spot just after the hour, but Roman del Castillo lost his footing, slipped and fired the ball over the bar.
Marseille loses
Marseille got off to a strong start in Reims and took the lead in the 17th minute with Mason Greenwood’s seventh goal of the season. But the nine-time champions were unable to respond as France defender Benjamin Pavard awarded a penalty and then scored an own goal.
Pavard was penalized for a foul on Odessonne Edouard in the box. Edouard received the kick and made a small dink shot known as a “panenka”. Pavard deflected a corner kick with his left foot in the 53rd minute, beating his own goalkeeper.
Lens moved into second place, one point behind PSG. Marseille fell back to third place, two points behind the lead.
“It was a very important game for both teams,” Lens forward Florian Thauvin said after the match against his former club. “We played together against a great team. We have valuable points for the rest of the season.”
Pocognoli’s first victory
Monaco defeated Toulouse 1-0, ending a five-game winless streak in all competitions.
In the third minute, Mohamed Salisu scored a header from a cross from Kasoum Ouattara. The hosts created several more chances, but Toulouse goalkeeper Guillaume Lestes thwarted their efforts on a number of occasions.
It was Monaco’s first win since sacking Adi Hütter and hiring manager Sebastian Pocognoli from Belgian side Union Saint Giroise earlier this month.
As a result, Monaco moved into fourth place, three points behind PSG.
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