Ligue 1: Achraf Hakimi Scores Twice as PSG Secure 3-2 Victory Over Lyon

Paris Saint-Germain extended their lead at the top of the Ligue 1 table with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Lyon at the Groupama Stadium.

Achraf Hakimi scored twice to help Paris Saint-Germain secure a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Lyon at the Groupama Stadium, extending their lead at the top of the Ligue 1 table to 13 points. The win marked a significant milestone for PSG, as they brought an end to Lyon's impressive seven-match unbeaten home run in the league.

PSG's performance was a far cry from their midweek UEFA Champions League demolition of Brest, where they scored seven goals. In contrast, the Parisians struggled to create scoring opportunities in the early stages of the match against Lyon, despite dominating possession. It wasn't until the 10-minute mark that PSG began to threaten, with Ousmane Dembélé at the heart of their attacking efforts.

We win in Lyon! ✅🔴🔵#Ligue1 | #OLPSG pic.twitter.com/UEAdRafD3e

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) February 23, 2025

Dembélé's pace and skill proved to be a handful for the Lyon defense, as he beat the offside trap and rounded goalkeeper Lucas Perri. However, his goal-bound strike was cleared off the line by Clinton Mata, who threw himself into the challenge and collided painfully with the post. Despite this setback, PSG continued to push forward, eventually taking the lead through Hakimi's first goal.

And here are the highlights of the victory! ⏯️

Enjoy watching! 📺❤️💙#Ligue1 | #OLPSG 2-3 pic.twitter.com/UCQBWWVMCf

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) February 24, 2025

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's impressive dribbling skills allowed him to weave past defenders and create a scoring opportunity, but he ultimately failed to capitalize on it, producing a wasteful finish from inside the box. Despite this missed chance, the first half remained goalless, marking PSG's first blank before halftime in 12 matches. The lack of attacking quality on display was surprising, given Lyon's recent form under Paulo Fonseca, which had seen them score 10 times in their previous three matches.

The second half saw PSG quickly break the deadlock, albeit in contentious circumstances. Ernest Nuamah's appeals for a penalty after being bundled over by Nuno Mendes were waved away, and the league leaders swiftly counter-attacked with their characteristic ruthlessness. Bradley Barcola's low cross from the left found its way to the crowded six-yard box, where Achraf Hakimi arrived to rifle a shot into the bottom corner, giving PSG a 1-0 lead just eight minutes into the second half.

PSG's advantage was soon doubled, courtesy of a sensational solo effort from Ousmane Dembélé. The in-form forward picked up the ball and embarked on a direct run at the heart of the Lyon defense, before unleashing a shot that found the top corner. This goal extended Dembélé's lead as the division's top scorer, and it marked a significant moment in the match, as PSG began to assert their dominance over Lyon.

Lyon's attacking struggles continued until the late introduction of Georges Mikautadze, who made an instant impact. Within three minutes of entering the game, Mikautadze skipped down the left flank and delivered a precise pass to Rayan Cherki, who halved the deficit with a well-timed finish. This goal provided Lyon with a glimmer of hope, but their momentum was short-lived.

Any thoughts of a late comeback were quickly extinguished as Achraf Hakimi scored his second goal of the game, doubling his personal tally. Hakimi's precise finish into the far corner capped off a wonderfully intricate PSG move, showcasing the team's technical prowess. This goal effectively sealed the win for PSG, leaving Lyon with too little time to mount a meaningful response.

In the end, PSG secured a 3-2 victory that maintains their comfortable lead at the top of the Ligue 1 table. Corentin Tolisso's headed goal in stoppage time proved to be mere consolation for Lyon, who suffered their seventh home defeat in eight meetings against PSG. The loss leaves Lyon in sixth place, seven points adrift of the third UEFA Champions League qualification spot. However, upcoming fixtures against fellow European hopefuls Brest and Nice will provide a clearer indication of Lyon's potential finish in the league.