In a highly anticipated UEFA Champions League quarter-final first-leg match at the Parc des Princes, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) comfortably beat Aston Villa 3-1, establishing a two-goal advantage heading into the second leg. This victory was significant for many reasons, but one standout performer was Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi. With his trademark pace, intelligence, and defensive solidity, Hakimi played a crucial role in PSG’s dominant performance.
Early Game Dynamics
The match began with Aston Villa focusing on containing PSG’s potent attacking line, guided by their manager Unai Emery, who was facing his former club for the first time. Despite Emery’s tactical instructions, PSG was relentless in their pursuit of an early goal. Vitinha and Ousmane Dembélé both tested Villa’s goalkeeper, Emiliano Martínez, forcing him into several key saves. However, it was Villa’s moment of brilliance in the 35th minute that stunned the home crowd.
Aston Villa’s Surprise Lead
Villa took the lead in spectacular fashion after John McGinn won the ball on the halfway line. A quick pass to Marcus Rashford saw the English winger break forward and play in Youri Tielemans, who provided an inch-perfect assist to Morgan Rogers. Rogers slotted the ball past PSG’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, sending Villa’s travelling supporters into wild celebration.
However, PSG responded swiftly with a piece of individual brilliance from Désiré Doué. Just minutes after Villa’s goal, Doué’s skillful dribbling evaded Rogers, and his powerful strike found the top corner of the net, restoring parity for the Parisians.
PSG Takes Control
The second half saw PSG come out with renewed intensity. Midfielder Fabián Ruiz sent a cross-field pass to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who made light work of Villa defender Axel Disasi before scoring a thunderous goal from a tight angle, giving PSG the lead for the first time. The hosts continued to press, with Achraf Hakimi involved in several key moments, but they were unable to convert some of the promising chances.
Hakimi’s Defensive and Attacking Impact
Despite not getting on the scoresheet, Hakimi’s contributions to both defense and attack were vital to PSG’s overall dominance. The Moroccan international was relentless in his work, completing an impressive 91% of his passes and playing a key role in the build-up to several attacking moves. His dribbling and ability to break forward added width and depth to PSG’s attack.
Hakimi’s defensive statistics were equally impressive, making three clearances and two aerial duels won. He kept Villa’s attackers at bay with a focused performance, ensuring that the Parisians remained in control. His only shot on target tested Martínez, but it was not enough to find the back of the net.
Hakimi’s stats from the match reflect his influence on the game:
- Minutes played: 90′
- Goals: 0
- Expected Goals (xG): 0.16
- Assists: 0
- Expected Assists (xA): 0.08
- Clearances: 3
- Interceptions: 1
- Dribbled past: 0
- Total tackles: 0
- Ground duels (won): 1 (0)
- Aerial duels (won): 2 (0)
- Possession lost: 10
- Fouls: 0
- Was fouled: 0
- Offsides: 1
- Touches: 98
- Accurate passes: 79/87 (91%)
- Key passes: 1
- Crosses (acc.): 1 (0)
- Long balls (acc.): 3 (1)
- Shots on target: 2
- Shots off target: 0
Final Stages of the Game
As the match neared its conclusion, PSG pushed for a third goal to secure a comfortable lead for the second leg. Ousmane Dembélé provided the assist for Nuno Mendes, who calmly slotted past Martínez to make it 3-1, giving PSG a crucial two-goal advantage.
Despite Villa’s efforts in the latter stages of the match, including a few promising counter-attacks, PSG’s defense, with Hakimi playing a central role, held firm. This result means Aston Villa will have an uphill battle in the second leg at Villa Park, with PSG remaining favorites to advance to the semifinals.
Conclusion
Achraf Hakimi’s performance in this crucial UCL clash highlighted his growing importance in PSG’s lineup. While his statistics may not reflect a standout goal-scoring or assist performance, his all-around contribution, especially in defense and build-up play, was invaluable. As PSG look to secure their place in the semifinals, Hakimi will undoubtedly continue to be one of their key players.
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This victory marks an important step in PSG’s quest for European glory, and with the return leg at Villa Park on the horizon, all eyes will be on Hakimi and his teammates as they aim to finish the job.
