In the 2024/2025 Ligue 1 season, the match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Lyon became the central event of Matchday 23. The two teams were battling for the top spots in the standings, and the outcome of this match could have a significant impact on the distribution of places. Lyon was looking to reduce the gap to the Parisians, while PSG aimed to consolidate their lead. Achraf Hakimi, PSG's right-back, started the match and showed consistent form throughout the season. His ability to support attacks and operate reliably in defense made him a key figure in Mauricio Pochettino's tactical formations. Hakimi actively participated in attacks, creating many dangerous moments, and was also noted for his teamwork with the other players in the team.
The match took place at the Parc des Princes, where fans filled the stands, creating an incredible atmosphere of support. From the very first minutes, both teams displayed great aggression and a will to win. Lyon tried to control the ball and launch quick counterattacks, hoping for mistakes from their opponents. In the 25th minute, PSG opened the scoring. Neymar, who continued to impress with his dribbling and ability to play in tight spaces, received the ball on the wing. He beat two defenders and passed to Kylian Mbappé, who, without hesitation, shot into the far corner of the goal. The crowd erupted in applause, and the team felt confident in their abilities.
But Lyon wasn't about to give up. After conceding the goal, they rallied and began creating dangerous opportunities near Keylor Navas's goal. Midway through the first half, the team managed to equalize the score. The moment came after a corner, when one of Lyon's defenders won a duel and headed the ball into the net. It was a significant feat that brought the team back into the game. After the break, the match became even more tense. Both coaches made adjustments, trying to find weaknesses in the opponent's playmaking. Pochettino replaced one of the midfielders with a more attacking player, hoping to regain the lead. Meanwhile, the Lyon coach focused on strengthening the defense, trying to stop PSG's attacks.
In the 70th minute of the match, a new PSG star appeared on the pitch, strengthening the attacking play. His speed and technique were a real test for the Lyon defense. In just a few minutes, he created several dangerous chances, but the Lyon goalkeeper put in a brilliant performance, saving his team from conceding goals. The final part of the match was tense, with both teams striving to snatch victory. However, despite their best efforts, the match ended in a 1-1 draw. This was a blow to PSG, who were hoping for three points, but Lyon showed they were capable of fighting for a place in the top four.
From the very first minutes of the match, PSG took the initiative, actively pressuring their opponents and controlling the ball. Already in the 15th minute, Achraf Hakimi opened the scoring, successfully connecting with the attack and completing the combination with a precise shot. His speed and ability to choose his position surprised the Lyon defense. Not stopping there, Hakimi continued to be active on the right flank. In the 35th minute, he returned to the spotlight by scoring twice after an individual pass and a powerful shot from outside the penalty area. This goal highlighted his technical ability and self-confidence. After the second goal, PSG fans filled the stadium with applause, the team having a real opportunity to consolidate its championship lead.
Lyon attempted to retaliate, but PSG's defense acted in a coordinated manner, preventing the opponent from creating any dangerous opportunities. It is worth noting that goalkeeper Keylor Navas put in an excellent performance, saving the team from several dangerous attacks. However, Lyon still found a way to reach PSG's goal. In the 50th minute of the match, a Lyon player was able to take advantage of a defensive error and close down the pass from the wing, scoring a goal that brought the team back into the game.
This goal gave Lyon renewed momentum, and they began to attack more actively. The match became even more tense in the 60th minute, as Lyon created several dangerous chances. However, PSG managed to recover and regain control of the match. Mauricio Pochettino made personnel changes, releasing new players who strengthened the attacking action. In the 75th minute, PSG scored again. Kylian Mbappé, who was on the field, managed to get past several defenders and pass to Neymar, who, with his first touch, shot directly into the corner of the goal. This goal was important for the team's morale, as it restored a two-goal lead to 3-1. But Lyon wasn't going to give up.
They continued to attack and managed to reduce the deficit in the final minutes of the match. In the 85th minute, following a corner, the ball fell to one of the Lyon strikers, who fired a point-blank shot into the PSG goal. This added intrigue to the final minutes of the match. The final whistle recorded a 3-2 victory for PSG, allowing them to consolidate their lead at the top of the league. After the match, the Lyon coach noted that his team had played well but needed to work on converting their chances. Pochettino, in turn, thanked his players for their excellent performance, emphasizing the importance of winning in the title race.
Achraf Hakimi's brace was decisive in this match. His contribution wasn't limited to scoring goals; throughout the match, he demonstrated a high level of play in both attack and defense. His constant connections with the attacks created a numerical advantage on the flank, making life difficult for Lyon's defenders. Hakimi not only impressed with his speed but also with his ability to pass the ball accurately, making him dangerous for the opposition. He actively interacted with other attacking players, creating combinations that often led to dangerous moments. Thanks to his tactical thinking, PSG managed to expand their maneuvering range, allowing for more flexible attacks. Hakimi wasn't afraid to take risks, and his actions often proved decisive when the team needed support.
After the match, Hakimi received widespread praise from both football experts and fans. His performance was considered one of the best of the season. Many analysts noted that he not only scored two goals, but also did a tremendous job defensively, fending off Lyon's attacks and intercepting balls as they approached his goal. This showed that he was not only an attacking player, but also a reliable defender, ready to fight for every inch of the pitch. Achraf demonstrated his versatility by regularly supporting his teammates, which was a major factor in PSG's overall success. His dedication and immediate desire to help the team significantly improved the atmosphere within the team. After performances like this, Hakimi earned even more respect from his teammates, as well as his opponents.
