PSG Edges Arsenal in Champions League Thriller; Hakimi Shines Despite Early Struggles

On the right flank, Hakimi had a difficult start to the match, jostled by a sharp Gabriel Martinelli. "Yes, he suffered, but he never gave up, staying focused and defensively diligent," emphasizes Foot Mercato, which gives him a 7/10 rating. The same sentiment is echoed by Maxifoot, which also mentions a "complicated start to the match" for the Moroccan, before he "raised his head" and "better closed his lane."

But it was especially offensively that the Parisian full-back made an impression. Decisive in the opponent’s half, he won a penalty - missed by Vitinha - then scored the insurance goal himself with a superb curled right-footed shot. Eurosport, which rates him 6/10, summarizes his performance as: "A true... striker’s match."

90min.com, more generous with an 8/10, praises "an intense duel with Martinelli throughout the match" and describes a player "never completely beaten," capable of pushing the Parisian block forward with his runs on the ball. It’s on one of these runs that the penalty is won, before he seals the qualification in the 73rd minute.

In a more imaginative style, SoFoot (6.5/10) ironically summarizes: "You see, it’s not complicated." He just wanted to show Gabriel Martinelli what an attacker who scores in Champions League semi-finals looks like.

Finally, Le Parisien credits him with a 7.5/10, insisting on his "energy expenditure" and his role as an "essential piece" in a Parisian collective seeking solidity and efficiency. Despite some defensive lapses, Hakimi was able to demonstrate his accuracy and offensive instinct at key moments.

While his defensive performance sometimes wavered under London’s attacks, Achraf Hakimi managed to balance the scales thanks to his crucial offensive impact. Proof that a full-back can also turn a Champions League semi-final. On the way to Wembley, the Moroccan seems ready to rise to the occasion.