Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi delivered a remarkable attacking performance on Friday as Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) thrashed Le Havre 5-1 away from home to strengthen their position at the top of the French Ligue 1 table.

Hakimi scored three goals in the encounter, played at Stade Océane, helping the defending champions secure all three points despite conceding the opening goal. The result took PSG to 20 points after nine matches, extending their lead at the summit following Rennes’ 5-2 defeat to Nice.

Le Havre initially threatened to upset the visitors when striker Josh Maja put the hosts ahead in the 18th minute. PSG responded eight minutes later through Belgian winger Mika Godts, who converted a move initiated by Hakimi to restore parity.

Two minutes later, Hakimi put PSG in front with a powerful low strike that beat the Le Havre goalkeeper. The Moroccan international added his second goal in the 55th minute, converting a free-kick to increase the visitors’ advantage to 3-1.

PSG continued to exploit gaps in the home side’s defence as Le Havre attempted to fight their way back into the contest. Senny Mayulu made it 4-1 in the 62nd minute after capitalising on a counterattacking opportunity that left the home goalkeeper out of position.

Hakimi completed his hat-trick in the 69th minute, driving home PSG’s fifth goal to cap an outstanding individual display. Coach Luis Enrique subsequently substituted the defender as the visitors comfortably controlled the closing stages.

The victory came despite PSG rotating their squad, with several prominent players left on the bench and attacking options Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia unavailable through injury, according to the match report.

PSG’s win strengthened their early-season title position, although their lead remained subject to subsequent results. Lille were scheduled to face Lens later on Friday, while Monaco were due to play Paris FC on Sunday.

For Le Havre, the heavy defeat compounded their difficulties at the bottom of the table. For PSG, however, Hakimi’s three-goal contribution provided a decisive boost as the champions continued their pursuit of another Ligue 1 title.

HAT