Achraf Hakimi hails PSG after thrilling Champions League victory over Barcelona
Achraf Hakimi has praised Paris Saint-Germain’s confidence and ambition after the French side defeated Barcelona 4-2 in a gripping Champions League league-phase encounter. The result strengthened PSG’s growing reputation as one of Europe’s leading contenders and gave the team another major statement win on the continental stage.
Barcelona arrived unbeaten this season, but PSG found a way to overcome the Spanish side in a match that swung between the teams. The Catalans fought back twice, keeping the contest alive and testing the hosts’ composure. PSG ultimately made their attacking quality count, securing a victory that delighted their supporters and reinforced their belief in the project under head coach Luis Enrique.
Hakimi says PSG wanted to prove their standing
Speaking to CBS Sports after the final whistle, Hakimi said PSG were determined to show Barcelona that they belong among the world’s elite clubs. The Morocco international said that facing a team of Barcelona’s quality created an opportunity to demonstrate both the squad’s strength and its desire to keep winning.
Hakimi’s comments reflected the confidence building inside the Parisian dressing room. PSG had already beaten Premier League leaders Manchester City 4-2 the previous week, and the Barcelona result offered further evidence that the team can perform against high-calibre opposition. Back-to-back wins over two prominent European sides are an encouraging sign for a club with ambitions of going deep in the competition.
In an interview with French outlet Foot Mercato, Hakimi also acknowledged the difficulty of the challenge. Barcelona had not lost earlier in the season, and PSG knew they would need to produce a complete performance to prevail. He described his team as “amazing,” while recognising that the result came against an opponent capable of punishing any lapse in concentration.
A demanding contest for players and supporters
The 4-2 scoreline captured the attacking energy of the match, but the game was not simply a showcase of forward play. Barcelona’s two responses forced PSG to remain alert, while the changing momentum demanded discipline at both ends of the pitch. For Hakimi, the contest was entertaining for the fans precisely because both teams had to attack with purpose and defend under pressure.
That balance is especially important in Champions League football. A team may dominate possession or create chances, but knockout-level ambition requires the ability to respond when an opponent threatens to take control. PSG’s victory showed their capacity to handle a turbulent match without losing sight of the result. Hakimi’s role as a full-back also highlights the modern demands of the position: contributing to attacks while staying ready to recover and protect the defensive line.
For supporters assessing PSG’s prospects, the performance offers reasons for optimism as well as areas to monitor. Beating elite opposition is a valuable measure of a team’s potential, but sustaining that level across a long campaign is the greater challenge. PSG will need consistency, fitness and tactical flexibility if they are to turn impressive individual results into a serious Champions League run.
The Champions League remains PSG’s central ambition
Hakimi made clear that the club’s ultimate objective is not merely to collect notable wins during the league phase. PSG are aiming to win the Champions League again, and the right-back said the squad is focused on continuing to build momentum throughout the season.
That ambition carries extra weight for a club that has invested heavily in competing at the highest level of European football. Strong results can boost confidence, but they also raise expectations. PSG will be judged on how they respond when the pressure intensifies, particularly in the later rounds, where a single mistake can decide a tie.
The victory over Barcelona therefore offers more than three points and a memorable scoreline. It gives PSG a useful benchmark against one of Europe’s most recognisable teams and reinforces the belief that they can compete with the continent’s best. For Hakimi, the key is to maintain the same hunger rather than treat one successful night as an end in itself.
Luis Enrique’s role in maintaining a winning mindset
Hakimi also credited Luis Enrique with helping the squad preserve its competitive edge. The defender said the coach works every day to ensure the players do not lose their winning mentality, encouraging them to give their best and keep pushing for further victories.
A consistent mindset can be crucial across a demanding season that includes domestic fixtures and European commitments. PSG’s upcoming schedule will test their ability to recover quickly and shift focus after a high-profile Champions League performance. The team must carry its confidence into the league while avoiding complacency or fatigue.
That challenge is familiar to clubs with ambitions on multiple fronts. A strong football prediction for PSG’s season will depend not only on their attacking talent, but also on squad depth, defensive organisation and how effectively they manage the workload. The win over Barcelona strengthens their case as a contender, though the road to the trophy remains long.
For now, Hakimi and his teammates can take confidence from a result earned against an unbeaten opponent. PSG showed they could withstand Barcelona’s responses, produce goals of their own and deliver when the occasion demanded it. If Luis Enrique can keep that intensity alive, the Paris club will have every reason to believe it can challenge for the Champions League title once again.
