Hakimi Nets Brace as PSG Maintain Impressive Form with Hard-Fought Win Against Lyon

Paris Saint-Germain extended their lead at the top of Ligue 1 to 13 points after securing a thrilling 3-2 victory against Lyon at the Groupama Stadium, ending Lyon’s impressive seven-match unbeaten run at home in the league.

After a staggering seven-goal performance against Brest in the midweek UEFA Champions League, Luis Enrique’s side appeared somewhat lacklustre at the start of this match, struggling to create chances despite enjoying the majority of possession in the opening ten minutes.

When they finally began to threaten, the in-form Ousmane Dembélé was central to the action, managing to beat the Lyon offside trap and rounding goalkeeper Lucas Perri. However, his attempt was thwarted as Clinton Mata cleared the ball off the line, suffering a painful collision with the post in the process.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia posed the next threat when he embarked on a mazy run, giving himself a clear shot inside the box, but failed to hit the target.

The first half concluded without a goal, marking PSG’s first blank at half-time in 12 outings. Given Lyon’s recent scoring spree under Paulo Fonseca—netting 10 goals in their prior three fixtures—the lack of attacking flair from both sides was quite unexpected.

PSG came out firing after the break, needing only eight minutes to turn the game around, albeit under controversial circumstances. Ernest Nuamah’s cries for a penalty after being brought down by Nuno Mendes went unanswered, allowing the league leaders to counter with precision.

Bradley Barcola delivered a low cross from the left, which was expertly pulled back to Achraf Hakimi, who dispatched a precise shot into the bottom corner.

Dembélé soon added a second for PSG, further establishing himself as the league’s top scorer with a stunning solo effort that found the top corner after a powerful surge through the Lyon defence.

Lyon struggled to carve out chances until the late introduction of Georges Mikautadze, who made an immediate impact, darting down the left flank and assisting Rayan Cherki to reduce the deficit.

However, PSG quickly quashed any hopes of a comeback, as Hakimi netted his second with a clinical finish into the far corner following an intricate team move.

Though Corentin Tolisso managed to head in from Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ delivery in the second minute of stoppage time, reigniting the contest, PSG held firm to secure the victory that maintains their stronghold at the top of Ligue 1.

This result marks Lyon’s seventh home defeat in their last eight encounters against PSG, leaving them in sixth place, seven points behind the third UCL qualification spot. Upcoming matches against fellow European hopefuls Brest and Nice will provide a clearer picture of their season’s potential.

For a match summary, click here