Paris Saint-Germain didn’t just win on Saturday—they sent a message. A 3-0 thrashing of Le Havre AC at the Parc des Princes on November 22, 2025, Paris returned Paris Saint-Germain to the top of Ligue 1, ending a frustrating goal drought and reigniting their title charge. Goals from Lee Kang-in (29'), João Neves (65'), and Bradley Barcola (87') silenced doubters, lifted the team to 30 points, and widened the gap over rivals Marseille. It wasn’t just a win—it was a statement.
Breaking the Goal Scare
Before Saturday, PSG had gone three straight matches without scoring. Fans grew uneasy. Analysts whispered about a loss of rhythm. The team looked flat against Lille, struggled to break down Rennes, and were held to a draw by Montpellier. The pressure mounted. Then came Le Havre.
Lee Kang-in, the South Korean playmaker who’s quietly become PSG’s most consistent creative force, opened the scoring with a curling left-footed finish after a slick one-two with Zavi. It wasn’t a flash of genius—it was precision. The kind of goal that comes from repetition, not luck. By halftime, PSG controlled 68% of possession. Le Havre’s goalkeeper, Tiao, made three brilliant saves, but the writing was on the wall.
Neves and Barcola Seal the Deal
The second half was a masterclass in patience and punishment. João Neves, the 20-year-old Portuguese midfielder signed from Benfica last summer, turned the game’s momentum with a low, driven strike from 18 yards after a quick counter. The goal came after a rare Le Havre turnover—Sumare lost possession near the halfway line, and PSG pounced.
Then, in the 87th minute, Bradley Barcola did what he hadn’t done in months: score. A diagonal pass from Kavaratellia split the defense. Barcola, sprinting with purpose, timed his run perfectly, beat the last defender, and buried it with his right foot. The stadium erupted. The streak was over. The striker’s face—relief mixed with fire—told the whole story.
Standings Shift, Title Race Heats Up
With the win, PSG now sits at 9 wins, 3 draws, and just 1 loss—30 points from 13 games. Their goal difference? +16. Meanwhile, Marseille, who had briefly climbed to first after a 2-1 win over Nice on Friday, remains second with 28 points but a superior +21 goal difference. That’s the twist: Marseille has scored more, but PSG has been more consistent. And in football, consistency wins titles.
Le Havre, on the other hand, fell to 14 points, stuck in 11th place. Their defensive resilience—five draws in 13 games—is admirable, but they lack the firepower to challenge the elite. Their coach, Christophe Galtier (yes, that Galtier, former PSG manager), is doing everything right… just not enough.
The Bigger Picture
This wasn’t just about points. It was about identity. PSG’s midfield—Neves, Zer Emery, and Kang-in—finally looked like a unit. Their pressing was sharp. Their transitions were lethal. And Barcola? He’s no longer just a speedster. He’s becoming a finisher.
On the same day, Paul Pogba made his long-awaited return for Monaco—his first appearance since serving a doping ban. But while Pogba’s comeback drew headlines, it was PSG’s quiet dominance that defined the weekend. The team that once looked like a title favorite in name only now looks like one in practice.
What’s Next?
PSG’s next three fixtures are brutal: away to Lens, home to Rennes, then a trip to Brest. All are top-half teams. But if this performance is any indication, they’re ready. The defense, anchored by Achraf Hakimi and Presnel Kimpembe, hasn’t conceded in their last two games. The attack is clicking. And the fans? They’re back in full voice.
For the first time since September, the Parc des Princes feels like a fortress again. And the league? It’s wide open.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did PSG end their three-match goal drought?
PSG broke the streak with three well-executed goals against Le Havre: Lee Kang-in opened the scoring with a clinical left-footed finish, João Neves capitalized on a turnover with a powerful strike, and Bradley Barcola sealed it with a perfectly timed run and finish. All three goals came from structured buildup, not individual brilliance alone—highlighting improved team cohesion after weeks of frustration.
Why is Marseille still in second despite having a better goal difference?
Marseille has a +21 goal difference compared to PSG’s +16 because they’ve scored more goals overall (28 vs. 24). But PSG has played the same number of matches (13) and has one more win (9 vs. 8). In Ligue 1, points come first—so even with a superior goal difference, Marseille remains two points behind because PSG has won more games.
Who are the key players driving PSG’s resurgence?
Lee Kang-in has emerged as the creative engine, linking midfield and attack with 6 assists this season. João Neves, just 20, has become the engine room with 120+ passes per game and defensive work rate. Bradley Barcola’s return to scoring form—his first goal in 129 days—adds a lethal edge. Together, they’ve replaced the old reliance on individual stars with collective intensity.
What does this result mean for PSG’s chances of winning Ligue 1?
With 30 points and a game in hand on most rivals, PSG are now clear favorites. Their only loss this season came to Brest in September. If they maintain this level—especially in the final 11 matches—they’re likely to win their 12th league title. The defense is solid, the midfield is balanced, and the attack has found its rhythm. The title race is theirs to lose.
How has Le Havre’s performance this season compared to previous years?
Le Havre has been more competitive than in recent seasons, sitting just outside the relegation zone with 14 points from 13 games—up from 17th place last year. Their five draws show improved resilience, but they’ve only scored 12 goals all season. Without a prolific striker or consistent midfield creativity, they’re likely to fight relegation until the final matchday.
Did Paul Pogba’s return impact the Ligue 1 title race?
Not directly. Pogba’s debut for Monaco was symbolic—he played 45 minutes in a 1-1 draw with Strasbourg—but Monaco remains 10th. His return is a human-interest story, not a tactical shift. PSG’s dominance was built on their own performance, not Pogba’s absence. The title race remains between PSG, Marseille, and Lens.