Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi one assist away from equalling Samuel Eto’o’s Champions League mark

Morocco international Achraf Hakimi is just one assist away from equalling Samuel Eto’o’s record for the most UEFA Champions League assists by an African player after helping Paris Saint-Germain beat Barcelona 4-2.

The right-back provided an assist in Tuesday’s victory at the Parc des Princes, as PSG maintained their perfect start to the league phase with three wins from three matches.

According to Stats Foot, Hakimi has now registered 19 assists in the Champions League, placing him second in the all-time rankings for African players, behind former Cameroon international Eto’o, who leads with 20.

Hakimi closing in on Eto’o’s record

Hakimi’s latest assist brings him within one of Eto’o’s mark, putting the Moroccan defender on the brink of a significant milestone in European football.

His record is particularly notable given his position as a right-back, with attacking midfielders and forwards often leading the competition’s assist charts.

The Moroccan has established himself as an important attacking outlet for PSG through his runs down the right flank, movement off the ball and ability to create opportunities for his teammates.

Moroccan defender leads among his peers

Hakimi has also recorded seven Champions League assists since the beginning of last season, at least three more than any other defender during the same period, according to the report.

His attacking influence was again evident against Barcelona, while his record of three assists against the Catalan club further underlines his contribution in meetings between the two sides.

Hakimi contributes at both ends

The 27-year-old also delivered a notable defensive performance against Barcelona, receiving a rating of 7.7 from Sofascore.

He recorded 11 ball recoveries, two interceptions and one successful tackle. Hakimi also won two of his four ground duels, although he was dribbled past once.

The statistics highlighted his contribution at both ends of the pitch during an entertaining contest in Paris.

PSG maintain perfect Champions League start

PSG secured a 4-2 victory over Barcelona, with Désiré Doué, Lucas Hernández, Vitinha and Fabián Ruiz scoring for the French side. Barcelona’s goals came from Espart and Lamine Yamal.

The result left PSG on nine points from three matches, maintaining their perfect record in the Champions League league phase.

Barcelona remained on six points and dropped to fifth place in the standings, while Hakimi moved closer to a historic individual milestone for African players in the competition.