UCL: must not change their way of play – Hakimi

Achraf Hakimi insisted that Paris Saint-Germain must not change their way of play under any circumstances in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final against Arsenal on Wednesday.

Paris Saint-Germain host the Gunners, aiming to defend the 1-0 advantage gained in last week’s first leg at the Emirates to book their ticket to the Champions League final for the first time since 2020, when they lost out to Bayern Munich.

The Parisians twice came close to repeating themselves, but were knocked out in the semi-finals by Manchester City in 2021, and the Borussia Dortmund in last term’s edition of the top continental club competition.

Ahead of Wednesday’s showdown at the Parc des Princes, PSG defender Achraf Hakimi highlighted the importance for his team to maintain their philosophy on the pitch. “Whatever happens, the way we play must not change,” he told reporters.

After years of struggles on the European stage, PSG seem to have found a new footing under Luis Henrique. Leaving behind stars such us Leo Messi, Neymar Jr, and recently Kylian Mbappe, has allowed for other players to flourish – Ousmane Dembele has been one of them.

The 27-year-old Frenchman scored in north London, marking his 33rd goal of the season in all competitions. Dembele was a doubt for the second leg in Paris after picking up a hamstring injury against Arsenal, but is now fit and ready to face them again in tomorrow’s second leg.

“Ousmane is a special player. He can change a game from one moment to another,” Hakimi said of his teammate. “We are delighted to have him in the group. He’s an important player for us. The Morocco international also hailed goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Like Dembele, Donnarumma also played a key part in the first leg, making five saves, including two of the highest class to deny Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard. “Gigio is one of the best goalkeepers in the world,” Hakimi added.

“Some people doubted him, but not us. We have always supported him. Having a goalkeeper of that quality gives us confidence during games.” Should they beat Arsenal, PSG would reach the Champions League final, where they will face one of Inter or Barcelona.