João Neves Hat‑Trick Powers PSG to 6‑3 Win Over Toulouse

A Night of Fireworks at the Stadium de Toulouse

From the first whistle, the atmosphere at Stade de Toulouse felt electric. Over 31,000 supporters were treated to a spectacle that resembled a carnival more than a regular league match. PSG’s attacking line‑up moved like a well‑oiled machine, creating chances at a blistering rate that left the home side scrambling.

The opening goal arrived in the 7th minute, but it wasn’t a typical tap‑in. João Neves hat-trick—the phrase that would dominate headlines by night’s end—started with a back‑to‑goal effort that caught the Toulouse defence off‑balance. Just seven minutes later, Neves pulled off a jaw‑dropping bicycle kick. After Achraf Hakimi’s delivery was deflected, Neves chest‑controlled the ball, flicked it over his own head, and sent it screaming into the top‑left corner.

Bradley Barcola added a third minute later, making it 3‑0 before the half‑hour mark. The fourth came from Ousmane Dembélé, who slotted a low penalty after Cristian Cásseres Jr. mistimed a challenge. By the 31st minute, the scoreboard read 4‑0, and the crowd sensed a one‑sided affair.

But Toulouse weren’t ready to fold. Charlie Cresswell sparked hope in the 37th minute, following a rebound from a saved Mario Sauer shot. After a VAR check confirmed no off‑side, the home side breathed a sigh of relief, narrowing the gap to 4‑1 before the break.

First‑half drama peaked in stoppage time when Toulouse earned a penalty. Frank Magri saw his spot‑kick saved by PSG keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, only for the referee to order a retake after detecting encroachment. Cristian Cásseres Jr. stepped up for the second chance, but Donnarumma produced another crucial save, preserving PSG’s lead heading into the locker rooms.

What the Result Means for PSG and Toulouse

The second half opened with a familiar scene: a penalty awarded to PSG after Barcola was brought down. Dembélé, confident after his first spot‑kick, converted again in the 51st minute, stretching the lead to 5‑1. At this point, the match seemed decided, yet Neves wasn’t done.

In the 78th minute, the Portuguese midfielder completed his hat‑trick with a thunderous strike from outside the box. The goal showcased his range—he’d already demonstrated close‑range poise, aerial agility and now sheer power from distance.

Toulouse, refusing to surrender, fought back. Yann Gboho found the net in the 89th minute, and moments later, Alexis Vossah added a 90+1 minute goal, turning the final minutes into a nail‑biter. The scoreboard closed at 6‑3, but the excitement lingered long after the final whistle.

For PSG, the victory solidified a perfect start to the 2025‑26 Ligue 1 campaign. Three wins from three games and nine points underscore a squad brimming with depth. The performance highlighted not only the star power of Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi, but also the rising influence of midfielders like Neves, who can turn games on a single offensive burst.

Toulouse, despite the loss, displayed resilience. Their late goals hinted at a fighting spirit that could serve them well in the weeks ahead. Coach Fabien Bergeron will likely point to the penalty mishaps as lessons—both in discipline and composure—while continuing to nurture talents like Frank Magri, currently the league’s top scorer.

The match also offered a reminder of how penalties can swing momentum. Both teams missed crucial spot‑kicks, yet PSG’s ability to convert theirs twice kept the pressure on Toulouse throughout.

Looking ahead, PSG’s attacking versatility suggests they could be serious contenders for another domestic title, while Toulouse must tighten their defensive lapses if they hope to climb the table.

Fans left the stadium buzzing, still recounting Neves’ three‑goal haul—a performance that will be replayed on highlight reels for weeks. As the Ligue 1 season gathers pace, one thing is clear: the race for the top is already heating up, and every match can turn into a nine‑goal thriller.