StadiumPosts Logo
Stay upto date with notifications from Stadiumposts
Notifications can be managed in browser preferences

PSG DEFEATS LE HAVRE TO REASSERT DOMINANCE OVER THE TABLE

PSG reclaims the Ligue 1 summit with a 3-0 win over Le Havre, extending their unbeaten run to eight games. Goals from Lee Kang-In, Joao Neves, and Bradley Barcola sealed the victory at the Parc des Princes.

PSG Defeats Le Havre To Reassert Dominance Over The Table
PSG Finds The Win To Go Top

Paris Saint-Germain has maintained its unbeaten streak in Ligue 1, now at eight matches (five victories and three draws), and has reclaimed the lead in the standings following a decisive 3-0 victory against a determined Le Havre AC at the Parc des Princes.

Before the international break, Luis Enrique's team faced mounting criticism due to a stretch of lacklustre performances that cast doubt on their status as the clear favourites for the championship.

Initially, PSG struggled to establish dominance, requiring Lucas Chevalier to execute a remarkable save to deny Simon Ebonog from converting Issa Soumare’s cross.

However, with just a minute left before the half-hour mark, the home side took the lead when Nuno Mendes delivered a cross from the left that found Lee Kang-In, who managed to score with a left-footed shot that slipped past a scrambling Mory Diaw at the near post.

Ibrahim Mbaye likely felt frustrated after missing a chance to increase their lead, firing over the bar from a cut-back by Mendes, but Le Havre headed into halftime with a sense of optimism.

Le Club Doyen nearly equalised when Ayumu Seko’s ambitious attempt just missed the crossbar, coming right after Chevalier had denied Yassine Kechta at his near post.

PSG had a chance to extend their lead soon after the second half began as Senny Mayulu surged toward the goal, yet he sent his left-footed shot wide.

Fans anticipating a barrage of goal-scoring chances for Enrique’s team were left wanting, as Didier Digard's squad nearly executed a counterattack. Chevalier had to once again leap into action, deflecting a free kick from Yanis Zouaoui, a reminder that the match remained finely balanced.

Looking to create some separation, the reigning champions succeeded in the 65th minute thanks to Joao Neves. The Portuguese midfielder scored by slotting a loose ball in off the post after Bradley Barcola was thwarted twice in quick succession by Diaw and the Le Havre defence. Warren Zaire-Emery's precise through ball set up this goal, seemingly sealing the win.

Refusing to give up, the visitors pushed forward and came close to reducing the deficit when Soumare’s powerful shot struck the post. This seemed to awaken PSG, who then sought to capitalise on their advantage, but Mendes failed to finish off a cross from Zaire-Emery, shooting over.

There was still time for Enrique’s men to add a third goal, as Barcola skillfully timed his run to receive a pass from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia before coolly slotting it past Diaw.

This result reinstates PSG's two-point lead at the top of the league table, while Le Havre ends the weekend in 12th position, witnessing the end of their four-match unbeaten streak in the league.

LUIS ENRIQUE FACES INJURY WOES AHEAD OF LE HAVRE, SPURS CLASH

PSG hosts Le Havre, aiming to maintain its slim Ligue 1 lead over Marseille. With key players like Dembélé and Mendes returning from injury, Luis Enrique must balance squad fitness ahead of a crucial Champions League clash against Tottenham.

top-news
PSG Must Rotate Stars Before Crucial Tottenham UCL Tie

Paris Saint-Germain will face Le Havre, who are in 14th place, at their home stadium on Saturday after the break for international games. Luis Enrique and his team will play soon after Marseille, who are in second place and only a couple of points behind Paris, as they get ready for a very important Champions League game against Tottenham on Wednesday. They have to win against the other team.

Even with many players hurt, PSG was able to get a win near the end against Lyon just before the half, which allowed them to stay at the top of their league.

Dembele and Nuno Mendes should rest this week.


PSG had a lot of injuries after their long and successful 2024–2025 season, and many of their best players were out because of muscle problems. Two important players, Ousmane Dembé and Nuno Mendes, are coming back and might play for the team in their next two games against Tottenham in the Champions League on Wednesday and Le Havre in Ligue 1 this weekend.

Even though they are important to the team, Luis Enrique should think about their health first, not include them in the starting lineup for these two games, and stop any problems for the two players who will be very important to them later in the season. So, even though the Champions League game is important as they try to make up for losing to Vincent Kompany's Bayern Munich, Dembň and Mendes should not play in these games and come back completely healthy.

Illia Zabarnyi and Lucas Chevalier need to step up


The two biggest new players for PSG during the summer, Lucas Chevalier and Illia Zabarnyi, were looked at very closely after joining a team that had just won its first triple. Fans and people watching also put a lot of pressure on Lucas Chevalier, who took Gianluigi Donnarumma's place as the goalie for PSG. Sadly, he has not lived up to what people expected after making some big mistakes.

As for Zabarnyi, the defender from Ukraine has made some noticeable mistakes, especially against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League. He has not yet proven himself, since he is expected to take Marquinhos' spot in the future. But these two young players are joining at a tough time, as the team is dealing with many injuries.

Paris cannot make any mistakes against Le Havre because Marseille is close behind them in the standings. They will need to handle the tough period coming up before the winter break, so they can stay ahead of their rival.

It could be hard to stay at the top of the league with Marseille so close, because the season is long, there are many injuries on the team, and there is also the chance of a long European season ahead.

LOVE FOR ACHRAF HAKIMI: KYLIAN MBAPPé CALLS HIM AFRICA'S ULTIMATE STAR

PSG's Achraf Hakimi wins 2025 African Player of the Year, beating Mohamed Salah & Victor Osimhen. The Moroccan star was honoured in Rabat after a trophy-laden season, receiving a heartfelt tribute from Kylian Mbappé.

top-news
Mbappé Showers Hakimi With Praise

Following an outstanding season with Paris Saint-Germain, Achraf Hakimi was awarded the African Player of the Year honour in Rabat, surpassing both Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen. His close friend Kylian Mbappe expressed his admiration by referring to him as "The King of Africa" in a heartfelt message celebrating his achievement. The bond they formed at PSG and continued despite their varying career paths was once again apparent.

Hakimi claimed the title of African Player of the Year. At the CAF Awards 2025 held in Rabat, Moroccan star Hakimi received the African Player of the Year award, marking one of the highest honours of his professional journey. After an exceptional 2024–25 season with PSG, he won the award for the first time, outpacing Osimhen and Liverpool icon Salah. For a player who has dedicated years to ascending in the sport, this moment symbolised significant recognition.

Hakimi became only the fifth Moroccan player to earn this honour at the ceremony, conducted at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University. His home fans in the capital were beaming with pride. Already recognised as one of the season's top performers, the defender had celebrated victories in the Champions League, another Ligue 1 title, the Coupe de France, and the UEFA Super Cup with PSG.

Fans were captivated by Hakimi's entrance to the event on a scooter, which showcased his determination to attend despite being injured. He had recently recovered from a severe ankle sprain caused by a tough tackle in the Champions League. "It is genuinely an honour for me to be present today, and I am thrilled to receive such a prestigious award," he stated while on stage. "This trophy is not solely for me; it also belongs to all the resilient African men and women who dream of becoming football players."

Mbappe's tribute to Hakimi: "The king of Africa." Shortly after Hakimi lifted the trophy, Mbappe shared one of the evening's most cherished messages on Instagram. "I love you, my brother," the Real Madrid star wrote alongside a photo of Hakimi holding the golden ball. "King of Africa. Congratulations, dear brother! This award is thoroughly deserved."

By including Moroccan flag emojis, the French forward heightened the emotional resonance and reaffirmed the strength of their friendship during their tenure at PSG from 2021 to 2024. Their three seasons at Parc des Princes, where they frequently travelled together, celebrated their goals, and openly supported one another, contributed to the deepening of their connection.

Mbappe's tribute stood out, especially because, although Hakimi ranked higher in the latest Ballon d'Or standings, Mbappe conveyed nothing but admiration, reflecting their deep mutual respect. Despite currently playing for different teams, their connection remains one of the strongest in professional football. 

Hakimi's accomplishments stem from years of consistent success, both at the club level and internationally. At PSG, he has emerged as one of Europe's most well-rounded full-backs, showcasing a remarkable blend of blistering speed, exceptional defensive capabilities, and a growing sense of leadership. His Champions League triumph last season capped an extraordinary period in which he delivered stellar performances under pressure. 

On the international stage, Hakimi is still a pivotal figure for the Moroccan national team. He was instrumental in the Atlas Lions' remarkable journey to the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup, making them the first African squad to reach that level. Since then, his leadership role has intensified, with head coach Walid Regragui relying heavily on his contributions both on and off the pitch.

Currently, the defender is recovering from a serious ankle injury, yet he remains hopeful about returning in time for Morocco's hosting of the Africa Cup of Nations. Winning the AFCON title at home would represent one of Hakimi's most significant professional milestones.

Looking ahead to the Africa Cup of Nations, which starts on December 21, Hakimi's primary focus is on his recovery. His overall fitness will be monitored closely, but it is expected that he will soon begin light training. Hakimi's involvement could prove vital in helping Morocco finally achieve their long-held ambition of winning the championship, a feat they have not accomplished since 1976.

For Mbappe, who is still having an excellent start to the 2025 season with Real Madrid, this occasion highlighted his leadership qualities and the strong relationships he maintains across the football world. Despite the packed schedule for Madrid, which includes La Liga, the Champions League, and the Club World Cup, the French star continues to be a crucial player for both his club and his country.

Premier League Standings

WhatsApp Read More News