Hakimi wary of Anfield comeback threat as PSG defend first-leg lead

Achraf Hakimi has cautioned that Paris Saint-Germain cannot afford complacency as they prepare to face Liverpool in a decisive UEFA Champions League quarterfinal second leg at Anfield on Tuesday.

Holding a 2-0 advantage from the first meeting in Paris, PSG arrive on Merseyside in a strong position to progress.

However, Hakimi has stressed that the tie remains finely balanced, pointing to Liverpool’s well-established reputation for dramatic European turnarounds on home soil.

Speaking ahead of the encounter, the Moroccan international made it clear that PSG are approaching the match with caution rather than confidence bordering on complacency. He emphasized that knockout football at this level rarely follows a predictable script, regardless of the scoreline after the first leg.

“This type of a competition, there is no such thing as favourites,” Hakimi said, underlining the unpredictability that defines the latter stages of Europe’s elite club tournament.

Respect for Liverpool’s European pedigree

PSG’s two-goal cushion offers a degree of comfort, yet Hakimi’s remarks reflect a broader awareness within the squad of the challenge posed by Liverpool, particularly at Anfield, where the English side have built a reputation for high-intensity performances and memorable comebacks.

The 27-year-old defender acknowledged that overturning a 2-0 deficit is far from unprecedented in the Champions League, a competition that has consistently produced dramatic reversals over the years.

For PSG, the task is not simply to protect their lead, but to manage the game intelligently under pressure.

Hakimi noted that both teams will approach the contest with maximum intensity, highlighting the importance of fine margins in determining the outcome. Attention to detail, he suggested, could ultimately prove decisive in a tie of such magnitude.

“We are going to be very focused and I think also we are going to have to take care of the details,” he said, reinforcing the need for discipline across all phases of play.

Confidence shaped by past experience

A key factor in PSG’s preparation is their recent experience of playing at Anfield, which Hakimi believes could provide a psychological edge. Having previously encountered Liverpool in a similarly charged environment, the squad is expected to be better equipped to handle the atmosphere and tactical demands of the occasion.

“We know of course there is going to be a wonderful atmosphere,” Hakimi said, referencing the intensity generated by Liverpool supporters on European nights. Rather than viewing it as an obstacle, PSG appear intent on using that familiarity to maintain composure throughout the match.

The fullback also pointed to the importance of collective belief within the team, suggesting that shared objectives and unity have contributed to PSG’s strong form heading into the fixture. With confidence high, the French champions are aiming to translate their first-leg performance into a complete display away from home.

A defining moment in PSG’s season

Beyond the immediate stakes of qualification, Hakimi framed the encounter as a pivotal moment in PSG’s broader campaign. Progression to the semifinals would mark a significant step in the club’s ongoing pursuit of European success, a target that continues to define their ambitions.

“Sure we can say this is a key moment in the season,” he said, highlighting the importance of maintaining focus and intensity both in training and on matchday.