Two weeks after a high-flying win over Olympique Lyonnais (3–2), Paris Saint-Germain returned to Ligue 1 action for Matchday 13, this time back at the Parc des Princes against a Le Havre side unbeaten in their last four games. Didier Digard’s men had every reason to feel confident, something reflected in his side's set-up on the pitch: far higher up than most visiting sides dare to play at the Parc des Princes.
Paris carved out the first chance, with Lee Kang-In cutting inside onto his left foot and forcing Mory Diaw into a warm-up save in the 12th minute. The visitors immediately hit back through Yassine Kechta, but Lucas Chevalier stood tall at his near post (13’). The Rouge et Bleu pushed forward again, and Ibrahim Mbaye came close to capitalising on a glaring defensive mistake from Arouna Sangante (24’), only moments before Lucas Chevalier saved his team with a last-ditch intervention on his goal line (25’).
The match swung from end to end, but it was Paris who finally broke the deadlock, as Lee Kang-In volleyed home at the back post after a well-placed cross from Nuno Mendes (1–0, 29’). Le Havre were anything but resigned, responding with efforts from Yassine Kechta (38’) and Ayumu Seko (39’), though neither found the target. Just before the break, the hosts pushed to double their lead, but neither the neat link-up between Nuno Mendes and Ibrahim Mbaye (43’) nor Gonçalo Ramos’s strike (44’) managed to beat the Ciel-et-Marine keeper.
Right after the restart, Senny Mayulu drove straight through the middle with the ball at his feet, sending another shiver through the Parc des Princes (47’). The club from the capital continued their hunt for a second goal, but kept running into an inspired Mory Diaw, who once again denied Gonçalo Ramos (60’). At the other end, Lucas Chevalier kept Paris safe, shining once again as he tipped away a left-footed direct free kick from Yanis Zouaoui (62’).
The home side still kept the game under control, and although the Normand keeper once again stood tall to deny Bradley Barcola, he eventually cracked when João Neves pounced after the French international’s double attempt (2–0, 65’). With their backs to the wall, HAC threw everything forward to get back into the match, but luck deserted them when Issa Soumaré’s strike came crashing off the post (70’). In the dying moments, Luis Enrique turned to his substitutes to put the result beyond doubt.
Released in behind by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Bradley Barcola found himself one-on-one with Diaw and coolly sent the Senegalese keeper the wrong way (3–0, 87’)! Having already provided an assist, the Paris No. 7 could even have added a goal of his own if not for one last save from the opposing goalkeeper (90+2’). After a lively encounter, it was Paris Saint-Germain who came out on top against Le Havre AC, securing a third consecutive league win. In doing so, the club from the capital reclaimed the top spot in the table. The perfect timing ahead of the visit of Tottenham for Matchday 4 of the Champions League on Wednesday at the Parc des Princes (21:00)!