Paris topple Brest, continue perfect start!
Before turning their attention to the first European fixture of the season next week, Paris Saint-Germain recorded an accomplished 3-1 victory over fellow Champions League contestants Stade Brestois 29 at the Parc des Princes on Saturday. Here's a look back at the stunning win!
After a successful international break for the Parisian players, Luis Enrique's men returned to league action - and the Parc des Princes - with one objective in mind: to win their fourth match in as many rounds, and thus prepare in the best possible way for their European debut in a few days' time. Les Rouge et Bleu were, however, up against a Brest side invigorated by a recent 4-0 win over ASSE.
In an attempt to thwart Eric Roy and his charges, Luis Enrique lined up a central defensive pairing of Milan Skriniar and Lucas Beraldo in front of Gianluigi Donnarumma's goal. Achraf Hakimi, captain for the evening, started on the right flank with Nuno Mendes on the opposite side, while João Neves took up the holding midfield role. The Portuguese international was backed up by Fabian Ruiz and Lee Kang-In to complete an attack-minded midfield. Up front, Marco Asensio was the centre-forward, with Ousmane Dembélé on the right wing and Bradley Barcola on the left.
From the outset, the visitors showed their intent by pressing high up the pitch in an attempt to hinder Paris' build-up play. But Les Rouge et Bleus' technical quality allowed them to quickly take control of the match, with the first clear-cut chance coming from Nuno Mendes who, played in by Bradley Barcola, drew a fine save out of Marco Bizot at his near post (7')! As the minutes ticked by, the Parisians put their opponents under increasing pressure, with Ousmane Dembélé proving particularly impactful as he led most of the home side's attacks down the right flank.
And when the France winger wasn't pulling the strings, his colleague Achraf Hakimi took over: the Paris captain sent an excellent cross into the box, but the Brest keeper saved off the danger with his foot (12'). A minute later, the threat came from the left as João Neves curled his right-footed shot past Marco Bizot. But, despite the waves of Parisian attacks, Brest held firm. And they even took the lead, against the run of play, when Ludovic Ajorque won a penalty that was confidently converted by Romain Del Castillo (0-1, 29').
It was a heavy blow for the Parisians, but they were not about to let it get them down. As the capital club's fans redoubled their efforts to cheer on their side, Ousmane Dembélé again made an impression, breaking into the opposition box before curling a left-footed shot just wide of the post (38').
Luis Enrique's men continued to press forward, however, and Fabian Ruiz's high ball allowed Bradley Barcola to feed Marco Asensio on the left of the box. The Spanish international's cross to the far post was met by the ubiquitous Ousmane Dembélé, who headed the ball home perfectly to put Paris back on level terms just before the break (1-1, 42').
After the interval, Paris' style of play remained unchanged, with the emphasis on building from inside the opposition half and winning the ball back high up the pitch to prevent Brest getting forward. Bradley Barcola tried to create danger with his crosses, but the Breton rearguard refused to crack. On the hour mark, the Parisian winger made way for Désiré Doué, while Willian Pacho replaced Nuno Mendes to form a completely revamped left flank. These choices paid off immediately, as Marco Asensio was sent clear down the left before firing past the keeper. Unfortunately, the No.11's effort was eventually disallowed for offside (64').
However, it was thanks to the Spanish players that Paris ended up taking the lead. Following a fine move down the right, Achraf Hakimi's low cross found Fabian Ruiz on the edge of the Brest penalty area. It was the perfect opportunity for the Parisian midfielder, and he duly showed all his quality by finding the top corner of the net with a sumptuous left-footed shot (2-1, 73')! Moments later, it was the on-fire Ousmane Dembélé's turn once again, and the mercurial wide-man hammered in Paris' third goal with authority after Randal Kolo Muani's initial shot had been parried (3-1, 74').
It had taken the Parisians just 80 seconds to completely change the face of the game, and during the final quarter of an hour, their hunger for goals remained rampant. They remained camped in Brest's half for long stretches, with the visitors unable to conjure a second wind to trouble Les Rouge et Bleu.
At the end of a match that Paris Saint-Germain controlled from start to finish, the reigning champions racked up their fourth consecutive league win to consolidate top spot on the table with 12 points. It was a fine result for the capital club, who can now turn their attention to their next game: their UEFA Champions League opener against Girona FC. The date is set!