Hakimi's hat-trick leads PSG to 5-1 thrashing of Le Havre in Ligue 1

Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi scored three goals and led defending champions and league leaders Paris Saint-Germain to a 5-1 victory over bottom-placed Le Havre in the ninth round of the French Ligue 1 on Friday.

Hakimi shone in a lineup that saw several changes, netting his hat-trick in the 28th, 55th, and 69th minutes. He had earlier assisted Belgian midfielder Myckel Gots with the equalizer in the 26th minute, responding to Nigerian striker Josh Maja’s 18th-minute opener for Le Havre. Senny Mayulu added the fourth goal in the 62nd minute.

Speaking in the mixed zone after scoring his first career hat-trick, Hakimi said, “It was a wonderful evening. It’s the first time I’ve scored a hat-trick, but there have been other matches that left a deeper emotional impact on me.”

He added, “I’m starting the season well to help the team. I’ve always been at this level, but this time I was able to contribute in a different way.” He confirmed he is “100% fit.”

The right-back insisted that the ankle injury he suffered last year is “in the past.”

Off the pitch, the 27-year-old faces trial on rape charges, allegations he completely denies.

When asked about his attacking role, Hakimi replied, “I like this role; I played this way when I was younger. I contribute with goals and assists, but I never forget my defensive duties.”

Meanwhile, PSG’s closest rival, Rennes, suffered a heavy 5-2 defeat at home to Nice, giving the champions a chance to extend their lead at the top to four points after moving to 20 points in first place. However, the gap narrowed back to two points following Lille’s 1-0 derby victory over Lens, with veteran substitute Olivier Giroud scoring the winner in the 86th minute.

Fourth-placed Monaco (15 points) will also have a chance to close the gap to two points behind PSG if they defeat host Paris FC on Sunday.

Le Havre started strongly and caught PSG’s defense off guard, with Maja scoring ahead of the play in the 18th minute.

Le Havre paid for their attacking push in search of a second goal, as PSG launched a swift counterattack. The ball reached Belgian winger Myckel Gots via a through pass from Hakimi, who equalized in the 26th minute.

The European champions, dominant in the past two seasons, then asserted complete control over the Normandy side. Hakimi added his second personal goal with a skillful direct free kick that curled around the wall and past goalkeeper Arnaud Bodart.

PSG exploited Le Havre’s forward momentum to regain control, launching a lightning counter that allowed Mayulu to beat the advancing goalkeeper and calmly slot the ball into the empty net.

Hakimi completed his hat-trick in the 69th minute with a shot from inside the penalty area that found the back of the net, before Spanish manager Luis Enrique substituted him.

Enrique praised Hakimi during the press conference, stating, “He is the best right-back in the world” and “the best forward.”

He added, “Hakimi is a leader, and we are aware of his potential. He becomes a forward when we have possession; sometimes he positions himself even higher than the strikers. He is the best right-back in the world.”

Enrique kept several key players on the bench, including Desire Doue, Portuguese winger Vitinha, and compatriot Joao Neves. Meanwhile, Ousmane Dembele and Georgian forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia were absent due to injury.