A few days after PSG's crushing victory against Leverkusen in the Champions League (7-2), Luis Enrique and the Parisians returned to Ligue 1 with a perilous trip to Brest. Held in check against Lille and Strasbourg during the last two days, the capital club however had the opportunity to regain first place from Marseillais in the event of victory. To do this, the Spanish technician aligned a 4-3-3 with the tenure of Lucas Hernández, Lee Kang-in and Senny Mayulu. Ousmane Dembélé, who came on against Leverkusen, started on the bench alongside Désiré Doué, Nuno Mendes and Marquinhos.
For his part, Eric Roy opted for a 4-2-3-1. Injured, Doumbia gave up his place in the offensive compartment to Mboup while Diaz started in defense instead of Chardonnet. Stronger collectively, PSG quickly took control of operations, imposed its rhythm, but came up against a rigorous Brest block. Far from being impressed and solid defensively, the SB29 did not hesitate to project itself, like Mboup who called on Chevalier despite an offside position at the start of the action (17th). Embarrassed, PSG reacted immediately and created a first big opportunity. Found by Barcola, after a body feint from Lee, Mayulu finished with a right shot, but fell on a vigilant Majecki (23rd).
Hakimi sees double
Increasingly threatening, the capital club finally found the fault after half an hour of play. Taking advantage of a caviar from Vitinha, author of a sublime pass behind the Brest defense, Hakimi concluded with a low volley from the right (0-1, 29th). Well launched, PSG continued its business and left only crumbs for its opponent of the day. From then on, if Del Castillo tried from afar (33rd), it was the reigning European champions who controlled the pace of this match. A domination logically rewarded just before the break. After a nice number from Kvaratskhelia, who came up against Majecki for the first time, Hakimi was finally shifted to the right side and shot the Brest goalkeeper at point blank range (0-2, 39th). When we returned from the locker room, the appearance of this meeting barely changed.
In control and without forcing its talent, PSG dominated the debates, but were surprised by an act of play. Guilty with one hand in his own area, Kang-In Lee offered a penalty to Brestois after several minutes of procrastination in the refereeing clan. Unfortunately for the locals, Del Castillo slipped as he took off and completely missed his attempt (59th). In the last half hour, Dembélé, Marquinhos and Doué appeared and the Parisians maintained their hold, like the numerous (imprecise) attempts at the Ballon d'Or or this too-cross strike from Doué (89th). The former Rennais would even take part in his team's offensive festival. If he first found the post (90+2nd), he was then rewarded for his efforts by deceiving Majecki after a superb call (0-3, 90+6th). Before that, Chevalier pulled out all the stops against Baldé (87th). With this authoritarian victory (3-0), Paris Saint-Germain temporarily regains the lead in the French championship while waiting for OM to travel to RC Lens this Saturday evening. For its part, Brest is 12th.
