Hakimi’s Heroics Propel PSG to Stunning Victory in Barcelona Thriller

The Moroccan international had a contrasting but ultimately decisive evening, as evidenced by the unanimous analyses of the sports press.

First, caution was in order. Footmercato evokes a "mixed first half", highlighting the spaces left in his back and a too neutral offensive contribution. But the site also insists on two major actions: "a superb clearance on the line on a shot from Olmo (64th), and more sharpness after the break". Above all, it was he who, in the 91st minute, delivered a millimeter-perfect cross for Ramos’ header to seal the Parisian victory.

A reading shared by Eurosport, who gives him a rating of 7 and emphasizes his reaction after a difficult start: "Too loose on Rashford on the opening goal, he recovered well afterwards by marking the Englishman better." The media insists on his offensive talent, citing a "small bridge - shot" sequence that would have deserved a better outcome, before concluding: "Decisive, always."

L’Équipe goes further and gives the Moroccan an 8. The daily notes that "it was for a long time less spectacular than Nuno Mendes" but that Hakimi "has once again delivered an exceptional battle". Above all, his defensive and offensive gestures weighed heavily: a clearance on the line, a remarkable slalom and this "delicious decisive pass" for Ramos.

The same tone on the side of 90min.com, which credits him with a 7/10. The analysis retains "a dangerous offensive player" from the start, solid against Rashford despite some difficulties, and above all his key role in the scenario: "Hakimi saved Paris and deprived Barça of a second goal with an exceptional intervention in the hour of play."

The consensus is found elsewhere. Maxifoot talks about a full-back "decisive with a perfect cross", So Foot summarizes his performance in two words: "Decisive savior, decisive passer", when Culture PSG notes "some defensive flaws" but a "constant and profitable offensive contribution".

The Moroccan international has once again embodied this rare profile of a full-back capable of tipping over a European summit, as much by his defensive interventions as by his offensive audacity. Long shaken by Rashford’s accelerations and forced to make covering efforts, he finally marked the match with his lucidity at the end of the game.

PSG needed a leader on their right flank. At Montjuïc, Hakimi answered the call.