Joao Neves scored a hat-trick, including two overhead kicks, as PSG defeated Toulouse 6-3. Ousmane Dembele scored a brace. Luis Enrique praised Neves and highlighted the team’s need for continuous improvement. PSG’s victory extends their impressive scoring streak in Ligue 1 away games. The team is focused on maintaining their high standards and pursuing silverware.
Joao Neves' dedication to practicing overhead kicks in training manifested spectacularly on the pitch as he scored two stunning goals in that fashion, contributing to a memorable hat-trick against Toulouse. The young star's heroics propelled Paris Saint-Germain to a resounding 6-3 victory, continuing their flawless start to the 2025-26 league campaign. Ousmane Dembele also shone with a brace, while Bradley Barcola added his name to the scoresheet in a dominant display by the Parisian giants.
Neves' first-half masterclass saw him net two breathtaking overhead kicks within seven minutes, leaving the Toulouse defense stunned. He then sealed his first-ever career hat-trick with a remarkable long-range strike that found the top-right corner, sending the PSG faithful into raptures. The victory extended Luis Enrique's PSG's impressive scoring streak in Ligue 1 away games to 12 matches (38 goals), marking their longest such run since January to September 2021. The young Portuguese midfielder, Joao Neves, expressed his delight at achieving his maiden hat-trick.
"I’m very happy with the victory, that’s the first thing. And scoring my first hat-trick, I’m really pleased with that,” the 20-year-old told PSG TV. His stellar performance not only secured three crucial points for his team but also saw him equal his goal tally from the previous league season.
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“It feels great to score three goals in this match. We played well, but I think there are still things we can improve. In the final part of the game, we conceded two goals, and that’s not what we wanted, so we’ll work on improving certain things. My overhead kicks? I’m happy with them, it’s something I practice in training and it paid off in the match!” he added, highlighting his commitment to honing his skills on the training ground.
Head coach Luis Enrique was full of praise for Neves' performance, stating, “Joao’s hat-trick? It’s not just his three goals but the way he scored them. It’s incredible. I think it’s an aspect of his game he can improve, that he should improve and I believe he will improve it.” Enrique's words underscored his belief in the young midfielder's potential and his determination to help him reach even greater heights.
Adding to the historical context of the game, PSG's three goals in the first 15 minutes marked the first time they had achieved such a feat in all competitions, showcasing their attacking prowess from the outset. Luis Enrique also reflected on the team's overall performance and the challenges they faced due to a shortened pre-season following their Club World Cup run. "I think that I am pleased. It’s to be expected that there are some lapses in the final stages of the match, but I don’t like it,” said Luis Enrique. He acknowledged the opponent's quality and emphasized the need for continuous improvement through training and matches.
“We have to accept that the opponent can play and they showed their qualities. I think that, gradually, through training and matches, we need to regain our level. I’m happy, I think we started the match in the best possible way with our style of play and our desire to score goals. I believe we deserved this victory. It’s always difficult to play away, especially in this stadium, but I think we deserved this win.” Luis Enrique concluded, emphasizing the importance of maintaining their high standards and continuing to strive for excellence.
The victory cements PSG's position as frontrunners in Ligue 1, but Luis Enrique is determined to keep his players grounded and focused on the challenges ahead. With the likes of Joao Neves, Ousmane Dembele, and Bradley Barcola in scintillating form, PSG look set to continue their dominance both domestically and in European competitions. The blend of youthful exuberance and experienced leadership within the squad provides a solid foundation for sustained success, as they aim to build on their impressive start to the season.
For Joao Neves, this hat-trick will undoubtedly serve as a major confidence booster as he looks to establish himself as a key player in PSG's star-studded lineup. His ability to score spectacular goals and contribute to the team's attacking play makes him a valuable asset, and his dedication to improving his game suggests that he has a bright future ahead of him. As PSG continue their pursuit of silverware on multiple fronts, Neves will be hoping to play a significant role in their success.