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Achraf Hakimi was awarded the UEFA Man of the Match for his performance in Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League semi-final victory over Arsenal.
What happened?
Hakimi played a key role in PSG’s 2-1 victory over Arsenal in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final clash. Not only did the Moroccan right-back score PSG’s second goal with a stunning strike from the edge of the Arsenal box, he earned PSG a penalty when Myles Lewis-Skelly blocked his shot with his arm. Although Vitinha failed to convert the spot-kick, with David Raya making the save, Hakimi delivered an outstanding individual performance. Over the course of the 90 minutes, the 26-year-old ran 11.2 kilometres and made three successful tackles.
The bigger picture
Victory propelled Paris Saint-Germain into the Champions League final, where they will face Inter Milan. The final provides a fascinating storyline for Hakimi, who will face his former club. He spent the 2020/21 season with Inter after the Serie A club paid Real Madrid €43 million for his signature. A year later, PSG bought him for €60 million. The Parisians are now one win from claiming their first Champions League title, with Hakimi proving himself to be one of the world’s most dynamic full-backs.
What’s next for PSG?
PSG face Inter in the Champions League final, which they have never won before. They boast an eight-point lead over second-placed Rennes at the top of the Ligue 1 table with three games to go. So, Luis Enrique’s side could be on for a domestic-European double. That means Hakimi’s focus will soon switch to Ligue 1, although facing Inter in the Champions League final will be an emotional occasion for him. With Neymar and Lionel Messi injured, PSG need their key men to produce those vital moments and Hakimi is certainly one of those reliable players for Enrique.
