On September 19, 2023, PSG hosted Borussia Dortmund in the first round of Group F of the Champions League. Many expected an even match, but the Parisians took control of the ball from the opening minutes. Ashraf Hakimi was particularly active, playing on his preferred right flank. His speed and technique became a real threat to the Borussia defenders, who were unable to keep up with his runs. Hakimi made several attempts to step up the play, creating chances for his teammates. His interaction with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé seemed well-coordinated and promising. PSG's stars quickly found themselves on the pitch, using their speed and passing accuracy to make inroads into the opponent's penalty area.
In the 25th minute of the match, Hakimi made a superb pass to Mbappé, who easily beat the defender and shot on goal. The Borussia goalkeeper, however, was there and was able to parry the shot. However, the Parisians' pressure continued to mount. Borussia attempted to organize counterattacks, but their efforts often proved futile. PSG's defenders faced the threats confidently, and goalkeeper Guiou Loris demonstrated excellent reactions. Midway through the first half, PSG had complete control of the match, which was reflected in the possession statistics: 65% to the hosts' 35%. This allowed Galtier's team to create numerous scoring opportunities. In the 38th minute, the moment many spectators had been eagerly awaiting arrived: after a cross down the flank from Hakimi, Mbappé, at the forefront of the attack, opened the scoring. He shot confidently into the corner of the goal, leaving the Borussia goalkeeper without a chance.
The second half began with active action from both teams. Borussia Monchengladbach made several substitutions in an attempt to strengthen its attack, which added momentum to the game. However, PSG continued to dominate. Messi, who received the ball on the edge of the penalty area, showed his magic, dribbling past several defenders and sending the ball into the far corner – 2:0. With each passing moment, PSG grew more confident in their abilities. Shortly after the second goal, the team began to control the pace of the game, forcing their opponents to run without the ball. Borussia Monchengladbach tried to improve their play, but the Parisians were able to capitalize on their opportunities. In the 75th minute, Hakimi, once again showing his best qualities, delivered a superb cross into the penalty area, where Mbappé was once again at his best, increasing the lead to 3:0.
Despite Borussia Dortmund's efforts to come back late in the match, PSG defended confidently, preventing their opponents from creating any serious threats. The match ended 3-0 in favor of the Parisians, which was a great start for the team in the Champions League. This victory not only strengthened PSG's position in the group, but also demonstrated how well-coordinated and effective the team can play. Hakimi, Mbappé, and Messi showed their class, and if they continue in the same spirit, PSG will be one of the favorites in the tournament.
In the 49th minute, PSG were awarded a penalty, and Mbappé confidently converted it to make it 1:0. But the highlight of the evening came a little later. In the 58th minute, Vitinha launched an attack, found Hakimi with a pass, and the Moroccan created a textbook moment. As if knowing all eyes would be on him, he took the ball on the move and, without wasting a second, delivered a precise cross into the penalty area. This canopy wasn't just beautiful; it was a true work of art. Hakimi showed off his skill by dribbling past two defenders who were trying to stop him. The ball, describing a beautiful arc, headed straight to Mbappé, who was in an ideal position. The striker, without thinking, fired a volley, and the ball, like an arrow, pierced the net. At that moment, the stadium exploded with joy – 2:0!
After this goal, Borussia found themselves under pressure, and the Parisians felt their strength. Messi, who had been acting rather calmly up until this point, also began to become more actively involved in attacking actions. His central runs became even more dangerous, and his combinations with Hakimi and Mbappé created real problems for the opposing defense. In the 70th minute, PSG once again demonstrated their offensive power. Messi, receiving the ball at the edge of the penalty area, feinted, leaving the defender behind, and then shot powerfully into the top corner. The Borussia goalkeeper saved his team again, but it became clear that the Parisians were not going to stop there. They continued to dominate, constantly forcing their opponents to come back.
Seeing that his team was unable to cope with the onslaught, the Dortmund coach made several substitutions. New players appeared on the pitch, expected to bring renewed energy and motivation. However, PSG continued to control the game. Each attack became increasingly dangerous. Hakimi, who was working tirelessly down the flank, created another dangerous opportunity by playing a penetrating pass to Mbappé, but Kylian's shot was blocked by the defenders. In the 80th minute, Borussia Dortmund finally managed to create their first real chance.
After a corner, the ball landed in the hands of one of the team's strikers, who fired a close-range shot at goal. However, Loris, showing his best qualities, reacted brilliantly and saved his team from trouble. It was an important save that once again instilled confidence in the PSG players. Then came another attack from the Parisians. Vitinha, who had become a key player in the center of the field, launched another attack by passing the ball to Hakimi. The Moroccan once again showed his speed, beating a defender on the flank and sending another high cross into the penalty area. This time, the ball went straight to Messi, who, without thinking, shot home with one touch – 3-0! This quick goal made the stands erupt with joy once again.
After the match, the entire footballing world was talking about Hakimi. He played the match in the style of an elite full-back—modern, attacking, and dominant. His goal was the highlight of the Champions League matchday, and his flanking moves were a real nightmare for Borussia. Hakimi managed to showcase all of his best qualities: speed, technique, the ability to make the right decisions on the pitch, and, of course, exceptional positioning. Many experts noted that it was Hakimi who became PSG's key player in this match. His ability not only to defend but also to actively participate in attacks, creating dangerous moments, made him indispensable.
During the post-match press conference, PSG coach Christophe Galtier was full of praise for his defender. He emphasized that Hakimi is not just a defensive player, but a real find for the team. His ability to get involved in offensive movements helps PSG create numerical superiority on the flanks and therefore increases their chances of success in every match. Comparisons with other great full-backs like Cafu or Roberto Carlos have become commonplace. Hakimi has shown that he is not just a good defender, but one of the best in his position in the world.
