FC Barcelona will host Paris Saint-Germain on Matchday 2 of the UEFA Champions League in what guarantees to be one of many standout duels of the group stage. On the eve of the conflict, Achraf Hakimi despatched a warning to rising star Lamine Yamal.
After struggling an harm in early September with Spain, Yamal returned for Barcelona this weekend in opposition to Actual Sociedad. Regardless of lacking the earlier 4 video games, the 18-year-old delivered a game-changing efficiency to safe all three factors, proving he stays a key determine in Xavi’s aspect.
Requested about Yamal as a possible risk in his pre-match press convention, Hakimi was direct: “He gained’t be on my aspect, he’ll need to play in opposition to Nuno, the most effective left again on the earth. He’s already proven he can cease Lamine and different attackers with the same model. Our power as a staff is the assistance we give one another, and we’ll ensure that he’s not left one-on-one, as a result of we all know how succesful Lamine is at dribbling.”
Hakimi referenced the duel between Yamal and Nuno Mendes within the UEFA Nations League remaining between Spain and Portugal, the place the winger struggled to interrupt by way of. Mendes not solely shut down Yamal but in addition scored within the sport, taking part in a decisive position. Now, the 2 will face off once more, with Hakimi assured in a repeat consequence.
Lamine Yamal of Spain is challenged by Nuno Mendes of Portugal throughout the UEFA Nations League 2025 remaining match between Portugal and Spain.
The Moroccan defender additionally downplayed the affect of PSG’s harm record, which incorporates stars like Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. “It doesn’t change a lot. They’re crucial gamers, however we’ve a really sturdy squad. A number of teammates are able to play this sort of sport. We’re ready to win,” Hakimi added.
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Barcelona, in the meantime, will probably be wanting to avenge their most up-to-date Champions League assembly with PSG. In 2024, the French aspect stormed to a 4-1 win at Camp Nou, sealing a 6-4 mixture victory to succeed in the semifinals.
Hakimi and the Ballon d’Or
Hakimi has been certainly one of PSG’s most constant performers, cementing his repute as probably the greatest proper backs on the earth. But within the 2025 Ballon d’Or, he completed sixth with 484 factors, properly wanting the likes of Yamal or Dembélé, who have been in rivalry for the highest prize.
Removed from being disenchanted, Hakimi expressed gratitude for the popularity: “It’s not a disappointment for me. I’m grateful simply to be on the record of the highest 30 gamers on the earth. You, the journalists, voted me sixth and I didn’t count on that. Once I play, I don’t take into consideration particular person trophies, solely concerning the collective. About giving my greatest for the staff.”
Trying forward, the Moroccan set clear objectives for subsequent 12 months. “Then it’s as much as you to determine. I’m proud and proud of sixth place, and I’ll hold working to be within the prime 30 once more — and if I can transfer up within the rating, even higher,” he added.
