Achraf Hakimi made his mark on another major European night, providing an assist as Paris Saint-Germain defeated Barcelona 4-2 at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday, October 20.
The Moroccan international played a decisive role in the closing stages, delivering the cross that allowed Fabián Ruiz to score PSG’s fourth goal in the 85th minute and seal an important victory in the UEFA Champions League league phase.
The result extended PSG’s winning run to three consecutive European matches, taking them to nine points from nine. Barcelona, meanwhile, suffered their first defeat of this season’s competition after winning their opening two fixtures.
Hakimi Makes the Difference at a Crucial Moment
With the match finely balanced at 2-2, PSG needed a moment of quality to regain control. Hakimi stepped forward, delivering an accurate cross into the penalty area that Ruiz converted to restore the French side’s two-goal cushion.
The assist underlined the Moroccan defender’s importance to Luis Enrique’s attacking system, where his pace, movement and ability to deliver dangerous balls from the right flank provide an additional dimension.
His contribution also came at a critical point in the contest, preventing Barcelona from building on their second equaliser and helping PSG secure all three points.
For the Atlas Lions star, performances of this kind continue to demonstrate his value on the biggest European stage, where his responsibilities extend well beyond defending.
PSG Overcome Barcelona in an Action-Packed Encounter
The hosts took the lead in the 37th minute through French youngster Désiré Doué, who capitalised on a defensive mistake involving Lamine Yamal.
Barcelona responded after the break, with Xavi Espart finding the equaliser in the 54th minute. PSG regained their advantage through Lucas Hernández in the 71st minute, but the Catalan side refused to surrender.
Yamal brought Barcelona level again in the 78th minute, setting up a tense finish.
PSG responded almost immediately, with Vitinha scoring in the 80th minute to make it 3-2. Five minutes later, Hakimi’s delivery found Ruiz, who completed the scoring and confirmed a significant victory for the home side.
Despite Barcelona enjoying 54% of possession, PSG proved more clinical when opportunities arose, turning an entertaining contest into another statement performance in their European campaign.
The French champions did, however, suffer two injury concerns. Ousmane Dembélé left the pitch in the 19th minute with a reported hamstring problem, while Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was substituted in the 59th minute.
Three Wins Strengthen PSG’s European Position
The victory continued PSG’s impressive start to the 2026-27 Champions League campaign.
According to the supplied match report, the French side opened with a 6-1 victory over Slovan Bratislava on September 9 before beating Manchester City 4-2 at the Etihad Stadium on October 14.
Their latest triumph over Barcelona brings them to nine points, with 14 goals scored across their first three league-phase matches.
For Hakimi, the run offers another opportunity to establish himself as one of the key figures in a team targeting further European success. His ability to contribute both defensively and in attack makes him a valuable part of a system built around intensity, width and forward movement.
The Moroccan defender’s latest assist was another example of how his attacking qualities can influence decisive moments against elite opposition.
Barcelona Must Respond After Their First Defeat
Barcelona arrived in Paris with six points from their opening two European matches, including a reported 4-1 away victory over Galatasaray.
Although goals from Espart and Yamal kept them competitive, they struggled to contain PSG during the decisive stages. The defeat leaves the Catalan club with six points from three matches and work to do as they pursue direct qualification for the Round of 16.
With five league-phase fixtures remaining, Hansi Flick’s side will need to address their defensive vulnerabilities while maintaining the attacking threat that has characterised their campaign.
What Comes Next?
Barcelona’s attention now turns to El Clásico against Real Madrid on Sunday, October 25, a major domestic test that offers an immediate opportunity to respond.
PSG will look to carry their European momentum into their upcoming fixtures, with a trip to Villarreal scheduled for November 3 in the supplied report.
Under the Champions League format, the top eight teams in the league phase qualify directly for the Round of 16, while those finishing between ninth and 24th enter the knockout phase playoffs.
For PSG, three consecutive victories provide an encouraging foundation. For Hakimi, the latest performance reinforces his reputation as a defender capable of making a decisive attacking contribution when the stakes are highest.
On a night when two European heavyweights traded blows, the Moroccan international delivered the assist that helped PSG finish strongest.