Rabat – Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi moved closer to a historic UEFA Champions League achievement after providing an assist in Paris Saint-Germain’s 4-2 victory over Barcelona on Tuesday at the Parc des Princes.
The win, which came in the third round of the league phase, also highlighted Hakimi’s continued attacking influence for the French champions, with the right-back contributing to PSG’s performance against the Spanish side.
Hakimi one assist away from Eto’o’s record
According to statistics from Stats Foot, Hakimi has now registered 19 assists in the Champions League, placing him second among African players in the competition’s all-time rankings. He is just one assist behind former Cameroon international Samuel Eto’o, who leads the list with 20.
The achievement is particularly notable for a right-back, as the competition’s leading assist providers are often attacking midfielders and forwards. Hakimi has built his record through his runs down the right flank, movement off the ball, and ability to deliver decisive passes into the penalty area.
Moroccan defender leads among defenders
Hakimi has also recorded seven Champions League assists since the beginning of last season, at least three more than any other defender over the same period, according to the report.
His ability to move quickly from defense into attack has become an important part of PSG’s offensive approach. Against Barcelona, his runs and positioning once again provided additional options for his teammates.
The Moroccan has also registered three assists against Barcelona in Champions League matches, underlining his record of influential performances against the Catalan club.
Hakimi contributes defensively against Barcelona
Beyond his attacking contribution, Hakimi received a rating of 7.7 from Sofascore for his performance against Barcelona.
The defender recorded 11 ball recoveries, two interceptions, and one successful tackle. He also won two of his four ground duels, although he was dribbled past once.
These statistics reflect his contribution at both ends of the pitch in a match that saw PSG overcome Barcelona in an attacking contest.
PSG maintains perfect Champions League record
PSG secured a 4-2 victory after a competitive encounter in which both sides found the net before the French club pulled ahead.
Désiré Doué, Lucas Hernández, Vitinha, and Fabián Ruiz scored for PSG, while Barcelona’s goals came from Espart and Lamine Yamal.
The result left PSG with nine points from three matches, maintaining their perfect start to the Champions League league phase. Barcelona, meanwhile, remained on six points and dropped to fifth place in the standings.
