No Breton trap, just a confirmation. In its garden at Francis-Le Blé where it has been tormenting Brest for years, Paris Saint-Germain resumed its march forward by winning without forcing (0-3). Led by Achraf Hakimi of the big nights, transformed into a providential scorer, the capital club did the job with seriousness and diligence. A logical victory which propels it temporarily to the top of Ligue 1 and puts pressure on Marseille before its shock against Lens.
Thirty minutes of illusion, then the awakening of the champion
We expected fierce resistance, a hostile atmosphere. Brest tried to create an illusion for a good half hour, regrouped in its camp, trying to contain the Parisian waves. But faced with the collective power of the champion, even without Marquinhos and Dembélé at kick-off, the house of cards quickly wobbled. Luis Enrique had rotated, but the intrinsic quality of his squad was enough to make the difference.
Hakimi, the Moroccan detonator
And the detonator was named Achraf Hakimi. Positioned very high, almost like a winger, the Moroccan was a constant poison for the Brest rearguard. It was first of all he who broke the deadlock, perfectly launched by a delicious ladle from Vitinha – already his sixth assist –, shooting Majecki with a powerful shot under the bar. Then, a few minutes later, like a true surface fox, he took advantage of a poorly pushed ball after an attempt by Kvaratskhelia to score a double just before the break (39th). 0-2. Mass was said.
Romain Del Castillo completely missed the Brest penalty.
The missed penalty, a symbol of Breton impotence
The second period was just a long and quiet Parisian management. The difference in level was too glaring to imagine a turnaround. Brest had a golden opportunity to reignite a semblance of suspense, with a penalty generously awarded after an unobvious hand from Lee Kang-in. But Romain Del Castillo, in an almost gag gesture which symbolizes Brest's helplessness this evening, slipped as he struck, sending the ball into the clouds (59th). The only real thrill for Lucas Chevalier who only released his first (and almost only) save in the 88th minute. Everything is said.
PSG manages, Brest confirms its limits
Paris was therefore able to quietly rotate its squad in anticipation of the crazy schedule to come, launching Dembélé, Marquinhos, Ramos and Doué. The latter even had the luxury of worsening the score, by successfully concluding a rapid transition just before the referee's final whistle (0-3). This quiet and controlled success confirms the trend: this Brest is no longer the flamboyant team that surprised everyone last season. They are a mid-table team, and it was cruelly evident.
A perfect week before a major turning point
For Paris, the week is perfect. After the big European victory against Leverkusen, this success in the championship puts the club back in the leadership chair and confirms that the machine is well restarted. Luis Enrique can be satisfied: the rotation worked, the executives were able to breathe and the result is there. Enough to calmly approach the reception of Lorient on Wednesday, before thinking about the shock against Bayern.
