PARIS — Ousmane Dembélé delivered another exceptional performance by netting his second consecutive hat trick, contributing to Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) commanding 5-2 victory over Brest on Saturday. This win solidifies PSG’s position as the top team in Ligue 1, extending their lead to 13 points ahead of Marseille. Dembélé has been in remarkable form this season, following up his three-goal display against Stuttgart in the Champions League earlier in the week with another explosive outing.

The match commenced with PSG taking the lead at the 29-minute mark, when the nimble left winger Bradley Barcola skillfully maneuvered past the defense, presenting Dembélé with a straightforward goal. However, the game took a turn when PSG’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma conceded a goal to Romain Del Castillo in the 50th minute. The goal came from a curling shot after PSG struggled to handle a high ball, showcasing a recurring issue with their defense.

Brest’s hopes of closing the gap were momentarily revived when Ludovic Ajorque, a formidable striker, found the net in the 71st minute, successfully exploiting a lapse in PSG’s defense. Ajorque’s goal came after another defensive mishap and displayed the vulnerabilities in PSG’s backline, especially under aerial pressure. Nonetheless, the Parisians continued to find their rhythm in attack, and Dembélé’s accomplishments extended his tally to 14 goals in the league and 19 in all competitions this season. After receiving a well-timed pass from Lee Kang-in, he added to his score with a finish from the edge of the penalty area.

In the closing stages of the match, striker Gonçalo Ramos added two more goals for PSG as they exploited quick counter-attacks, sealing an emphatic win over Brest.

Meanwhile, in another match, new recruit Mika Biereth left a mark in the second half, scoring a hat trick in a mere eight minutes to guide Monaco to a 4-2 victory against Auxerre, helping the team maintain third place in the standings. Monaco took the lead mid-first half when left back Thilo Kehrer launched a well-placed shot into the top left corner. Auxerre quickly responded with an impressive goal from Sinaly Diomandé, delivering an unstoppable shot to equalize.

The game shifted once more as Brazilian center back Jubal converted a penalty just before halftime, prompting a comeback from Monaco. Biereth made his presence felt after the break, leveling the score with a composed finish after receiving a pass from Breel Embolo. He soon netted his second with a brilliantly volleyed shot from a cross by Caio Henrique. Biereth’s clever runs caused significant trouble for Auxerre’s defense, culminating in his third goal just two minutes later.

This victory allowed Monaco to level points with Marseille, who occupy the second position, although Marseille holds an advantage in goal difference. Later that day, Lille faced off against struggling Saint-Etienne, while Marseille looked to narrow the gap with PSG by needing to secure a victory against Lyon at home on Sunday.