On November 5, 2019, Dortmund's Signal Iduna Park stadium was packed with spectators awaiting the most important match of the Champions League group stage. That evening, Borussia Monchengladbach hosted Inter Milan, and the atmosphere in the stands was extremely tense. The two teams met in Group F, and it was a decisive match for both, especially after Borussia Monchengladbach's 0-2 defeat in the first leg in Milan. From the first minutes of the match, it became clear that Inter meant business. The Italians started actively, putting pressure on the Borussia Monchengladbach defense. In the 20th minute, the visitors opened the scoring when Lukaku, taking advantage of a defensive error, sent the ball into Gregor Kobel's goal. The goal was a real blow to Dortmund, who found themselves in a difficult situation, trailing 0-1 on their home turf.
During the first half, Borussia tried to equalize, but their attacks were ineffective. Every time the black and yellow players approached the opponent's penalty area, Inter's defenders acted in a coordinated and confident manner. In the 35th minute, Inter scored again against Borussia, and the score became 0:2. Silence reigned in the stands, as many fans began to realize that their chances of progressing from the group were rapidly diminishing. However, it was at this difficult moment that Achraf Hakimi appeared on the pitch. The talented defender, then on loan from Real Madrid, became a true catalyst for change in Borussia's game. With his speed and technique, he was able to create several dangerous moments that had the stands shaking.
In the 51st minute of the match, Hakimi burst into the Inter penalty area and, after beating a defender, shot into the far corner. The ball barely touched the goalkeeper's hand and flew into the net. This goal gave hope to the team and the fans. The score became 1-2 and Borussia felt they could turn the tide of the match. After this goal, Borussia became more active and began to create even more chances. Hakami continued to show his potential and quickly found himself in the spotlight. In the 63rd minute, after a great combination with his teammates, he found himself in a position to score again. This time, his pass found the foot of the player who scored the second goal, making the score 2-2. The stadium erupted with joy and it seemed as if Borussia would not stop.
In the final minutes of the match, the team continued to attack, and it was Hakimi who scored the decisive goal. In the 77th minute, he again broke down the flank, beat several defenders, and accurately crossed into the penalty area, where the ball ended up in the hands of the striker, who made no mistake. Borussia snatched a 3-2 victory, with Achraf Hakimi as the hero of the evening. His incredible performance inspired the team and kept their hopes of reaching the knockout stages of the Champions League alive. This match became one of the brightest moments of the young defender's career. Hakimi not only demonstrated his individual skills but also showed that he was capable of taking responsibility in decisive moments.
Achraf Hakimi truly put in a performance in this match that changed the way we think about modern defenders. His role on the pitch went beyond the traditional concept of a defender's job. He operated as an attacking full-back, but was essentially a complete winger who could both create chances for his team and drop back to defend. From the opening minutes of the match, Hakimi actively used his speed and technique to break down the flank. Each of his runs became a real problem for Inter's defenders. The Italians were unable to keep up with his movements, which created a numerical advantage for Borussia on the right flank. Seconds after his attacking start, he could have drawn Inter's defenders in the other direction, opening up space for his teammates.
His ability to read the game was first-rate. Hakimi not only moved forward, but also knew when to drop back to help his team defend. This quality made him a versatile player who could be a reliable support in defense and at the same time a threat to the opposing goal. When Borussia lost the ball, Hakimi quickly returned to his position, preventing opposing counterattacks. An important aspect of Hakimi's game was his ability to interact with other players. He often exchanged passes with the central midfielders and forwards, creating difficult situations for the Inter defense. Every time he moved out, the opposing defenders had to make a decision: either leave him alone, which meant taking a risk, or move up, which opened up space for other players.
His precise crosses into the penalty area also became one of the key moments of the match. Hakimi wasn't afraid to take responsibility for creating scoring opportunities. He knew exactly when to pass and when to shoot himself. This quality allowed him to be not only a defender, but also an important part of the team's attacking strategy. In the second half, with Borussia Dortmund two goals up, Hakimi continued to increase the pressure on Inter's defense.
His play was full of energy and perseverance. Each of his runs led to dangerous moments. Even when Inter seemed to have a chance to repel the attack, Hakimi found a way to get past the defenders and deliver the ball into the penalty area. This created additional opportunities for his teammates, who were happy to take advantage of his excellent play. Throughout the match, Hakimi demonstrated not only physical strength, but also an excellent understanding of the game. His ability to make quick decisions under pressure was impressive. He wasn't afraid to take risks, and this quality proved decisive in key moments. In the match against Inter, he became not only a defender, but also one of the main creators, which gave the team the impetus needed to take the lead.
This victory was truly historic for Borussia, as it not only allowed the team to reach the Champions League playoffs, but also demonstrated the incredible strength of spirit and determination of the players. The importance of this match is difficult to overestimate: the team, which found itself in a difficult situation after the defeat in Milan, was able to pull itself together and showcase its best football, which ultimately brought them success. Achraf Hakimi received universal recognition and admiration for becoming the first defender in Champions League history to score two braces in a single group stage. His performances against Slavia and Inter underscored how important he has become to Borussia. This feat was not only a personal triumph for Hakimi, but also a symbol of how modern football is evolving and how defenders can influence the game in terms of attack.
After the match against Inter, Hakimi became a true star. His name was actively discussed in sports news, and experts praised him for his unique style of play. Players who can effectively combine defensive and offensive functions become true treasures for their teams. Hakimi demonstrated that modern football requires versatility from players, and his contribution to the game has become an example for many to follow. The victory against Inter also demonstrated the importance of teamwork. Hakimi did not act alone; his success was the result of the coordinated work of the entire team, who believed in their own strength even in the most difficult situations. Every player on the pitch, from the goalkeeper to the forwards, contributed to this historic success. Key moments such as precise passes, well-timed interventions, and excellent physical preparation played a key role in this victory.
