Paris Saint-Germain didn’t just win on Saturday night—they reminded everyone why they still run Ligue 1. A 3-0 thrashing of Le Havre AC at Parc des Princes on Matchday 13 of the 2025-2026 Ligue 1 seasonParis sent them back to the top of the table with 30 points, one clear of rivals Monaco and Lens. Goals from Lee Kang-in (29'), João Neves (65'), and Bradley Barcola (87') sealed the deal, but the real story wasn’t just the scoreboard—it was how Paris Saint-Germain controlled the game from start to finish, even when Le Havre AC refused to roll over.
Controlled Chaos at Parc des Princes
For 20 minutes, it looked like Le Havre AC might pull off the upset. Yassine Kechta’s 14th-minute curler from the right flank nearly found the net—only for Lucas Chevalier, PSG’s goalkeeper, to dive full-length and palm it away. The crowd held its breath. Then came a 16th-minute delay after a player collision. The tension was thick. But as the clock ticked past the half-hour mark, Paris Saint-Germain turned up the heat. Lee Kang-in, operating between the lines like a chess master, received a crisp pass from Nuno Mendes and curled a left-footed finish into the far corner. The stadium erupted. That goal didn’t just break the deadlock—it broke Le Havre’s spirit.
Neves and Barcola Deliver the Knockout Punch
After halftime, Paris Saint-Germain didn’t ease off. They doubled down. In the 65th minute, João Neves—the 19-year-old midfielder who’s quietly becoming the engine of this team—pounced on a rebound after Barcola’s shot was blocked by Le Havre AC’s keeper Diaw. No hesitation. No fancy footwork. Just pure instinct. A thunderous strike. 2-0. Then, in the 87th minute, Bradley Barcola finished off the night with a sprint down the left, cutting inside past two defenders before slotting past Diaw. The assist? A cheeky no-look pass from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The crowd chanted his name. It felt like a coronation.
Defensive Resilience Made the Difference
Let’s not forget Lucas Chevalier. He wasn’t just a spectator—he was the reason this wasn’t a nervy 2-1 win. Midway through the second half, Yanis Zouaoui’s free kick was arrowing toward the top corner. Chevalier didn’t just save it—he smothered it with his chest, then immediately launched a counter. Later, Soumare of Le Havre fired a shot off the post in the 89th minute. The ball bounced back into the box, but the danger was over. Chevalier had already cleared his lines. His performance? A 9.1/10 on Sofascore. The clean sheet? PSG’s sixth in 13 games. That’s not luck. That’s discipline.
Numbers Don’t Lie: PSG’s Dominance in Detail
The stats tell the full story:
- Possession: 71% (PSG) vs. 29% (Le Havre)
- Shots: 31 (PSG) vs. 12 (Le Havre)
- Shots on target: 11 (PSG) vs. 4 (Le Havre)
- Passes completed: 604 (88.7% accuracy) vs. 319 (84.2%)
- Big chances created: 6 (PSG) vs. 1 (Le Havre)
Le Havre had moments—Ayumo Seko’s header grazed the crossbar, Kechta’s effort was saved—but they lacked the final touch. PSG, meanwhile, turned every half-chance into a goal. Their attack isn’t just powerful—it’s surgical. With 27 goals scored and only 11 conceded, they’ve got the league’s best defensive record and the second-best attack. Luis Enrique’s side isn’t just winning—they’re rewriting the playbook.
What This Means for Ligue 1
This win isn’t just about points. It’s about momentum. Paris Saint-Germain have now won five of their last six matches (WWWDW). They’re the only team in Ligue 1 to remain unbeaten at home this season. Meanwhile, Le Havre AC—who entered the match on a four-game unbeaten streak—now sit just two points above the relegation zone. Their fight is admirable, but their finishing is still a problem. They’ve scored just 13 goals in 13 games. That’s not enough to compete.
With the winter break looming, PSG’s next test comes in the Coupe de France. But the league? They’re not just leading—they’re pulling away. The title race feels more like a procession than a contest.
Behind the Scenes: Two Clubs, One Continent
Paris Saint-Germain, founded in 1970, is a global brand with a budget that dwarfs most European clubs. Le Havre AC, founded in 1894, is a historic club with deep roots in Normandy—but a fraction of the resources. They’re the classic tale of David versus Goliath, except Goliath has Neymar’s former academy graduates, a €200 million transfer budget, and a stadium that seats 48,000 screaming fans. The gap isn’t just financial—it’s structural. And Saturday night proved it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Lucas Chevalier’s performance impact PSG’s league position?
Lucas Chevalier’s five key saves—especially against Kechta and Zouaoui—kept PSG’s clean sheet intact, which was vital for maintaining their +16 goal difference. In Ligue 1, clean sheets are worth more than goals in tight races; PSG now leads the league in goals conceded (11), and Chevalier’s consistency has been the foundation of their title push. Without his saves, this win could’ve been a draw, handing points back to Monaco.
Why is João Neves considered a breakout star for PSG?
At just 19, Neves has become PSG’s most reliable midfielder since Aurelien Tchouameni left. His 65th-minute goal against Le Havre was his third of the season, and he’s averaging 87% pass accuracy in Ligue 1. Unlike flashy attackers, Neves does the dirty work—pressing, intercepting, and finishing. His rise has allowed Kvaratskhelia and Barcola to operate freely, making PSG’s attack more balanced and dangerous.
What’s the historical context of PSG vs. Le Havre in Ligue 1?
Saturday’s match was the first competitive meeting between the two clubs this season, but historically, PSG has dominated. In their last 15 encounters since 2015, PSG has won 12, drawn 2, and lost only once. Le Havre’s last win over PSG? Back in 2007. The gap in resources and talent has widened significantly since then, making each meeting a formality for PSG—but still a test of character for the underdogs.
How does this result affect Le Havre’s survival chances in Ligue 1?
Le Havre’s 14 points from 13 games leaves them just two above the relegation zone. With only 13 goals scored—the second-lowest in the league—their offensive struggles are critical. Their next five fixtures include matches against Lyon, Marseille, and Lens—all top-half teams. Without a major improvement in finishing, their four-match unbeaten run may have been a mirage. They need to win at least three of their next six just to stay safe.
Is Paris Saint-Germain on track to win a fourth straight Ligue 1 title?
Absolutely. With 30 points and only one loss, PSG is on pace for 90+ points this season—matching their 2023-24 campaign. Their home record is perfect, their defense is elite, and their attack is lethal. Even with injuries to Marco Verratti and Gianluigi Donnarumma, Luis Enrique has built a squad deep enough to withstand setbacks. Unless they collapse in the second half of the season, this will be their fourth consecutive title, a first in the club’s history.
What’s next for PSG and Le Havre after this match?
PSG faces Lyon in the Coupe de France next week, then returns to league play against Rennes on December 8. Le Havre, meanwhile, hosts Strasbourg on December 6—a must-win game if they’re to avoid the drop. The return fixture between PSG and Le Havre is scheduled for April 2026 at Stade Océane, but by then, the gap could be even wider.
