Morocco international Achraf Hakimi provided an assist as Paris Saint-Germain defeated Barcelona 4-2 in the UEFA Champions League at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday, October 20.
The 27-year-old right-back set up Fabián Ruiz for PSG’s fourth goal in the 86th minute, delivering a low cross from the right after advancing into Barcelona’s penalty area.
The victory gave Luis Enrique’s side three wins from their opening three Champions League matches and ended Barcelona’s unbeaten start to the season.
Hakimi sets up PSG’s fourth goal
Hakimi started at right-back and was involved in several of PSG’s attacking moves throughout the match.
The French champions took the lead in the 38th minute when Désiré Doué found the net with a shot from outside the penalty area.
Barcelona equalized ten minutes after halftime through Xavi Espart, who finished from the right side of the box.
Hakimi had nearly doubled PSG’s lead in the 51st minute, but his effort was saved by Barcelona goalkeeper Joan García.
PSG regained the lead in the 72nd minute when Lucas Hernández headed home from Doué’s corner.
Barcelona responded seven minutes later, with Lamine Yamal scoring from a tight angle to make it 2-2.
Vitinha restored PSG’s advantage in the 81st minute before Hakimi helped secure the result five minutes later.
The Moroccan moved forward along the right flank and sent a cross into the penalty area, where Ruiz finished from close range.
Hakimi had also created an opportunity in the 71st minute when his pass found Ferran Torres, whose shot struck the post.
PSG maintain perfect Champions League start
Tuesday’s result followed PSG’s 4-2 away victory over Manchester City on October 14.
The French club now have nine points from three matches in the Champions League league phase, level with Liverpool at the top of the standings.
For Hakimi, the Barcelona match continued his return to regular first-team action after a thigh injury affected his playing schedule earlier this season.
The Morocco international had returned to PSG’s starting lineup against Le Mans on October 10, playing 72 minutes in a 3-1 Ligue 1 victory.
He subsequently featured against Manchester City before completing Tuesday’s Champions League match.
Hakimi remains an established member of Morocco’s senior squad, which is preparing for two Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Niger on November 13 and 17.
Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has not yet announced his squad for the November international window.
Get the Atlas Lions Weekly
The biggest Morocco football stories, player updates and analysis—delivered to your inbox every Sunday.
