Hakimi bags hat-trick as Paris Saint-Germain rip Le Havre to pieces

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) experienced a dominant performance, securing a 5-1 victory over struggling Le Havre in Ligue 1, with Achraf Hakimi netting a hat-trick. Their closest rivals, Rennes, lost 5-2 to Nice, dropping four points behind. Olivier Giroud, the veteran striker at 40 years old, scored a late 86th-minute goal to propel Lille to second place on 18 points, after a 1-0 win over Lens.

Former World Cup and Champions League winner Hakimi, after a heavy rotation by Paris, showcased his attacking prowess, scoring at various stages. Le Havre's early surge saw them take the lead through Josh Maja, but Hakimi's quick counter-strike reduced the gap to 1-1. Hakimi's second goal came from a low free-kick, widening PSG's lead to 3-1.

The hosts attempted a comeback, but Hakimi secured his hat-trick with a precise long-range shot, effectively ending the match in the 69th minute. Hakimi's coach, Luis Enrique, praised his versatility, noting that the player thrives in possession but must defend when PSG is not in attack. With 20 points from nine games, PSG remains atop the table, while Lille's second-place finish depends on their upcoming match against Paris FC.

Monaco holds third place after a potential win against Paris FC. Rennes, on just two points, currently sit at the bottom of the league.