Achraf Hakimi, the defender for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), exited the field in visible distress on October 23, 2023, following a severe tackle by Bayern Munich’s Luis Díaz during their UEFA Champions League match at the Parc des Princes. Díaz had already made an impact on the game by scoring two goals in the first half before being shown a straight red card for the reckless challenge that resulted in Hakimi’s injury.
The match, which featured two of Europe’s top clubs, took a dramatic turn when Díaz’s tackle caught Hakimi’s ankle, leading to an immediate response from the medical staff. As he was assisted off the pitch, Hakimi struggled to put weight on his left leg, highlighting the seriousness of the incident.
Bayern Munich secured a 2-1 victory, placing them at the top of the Champions League group phase table. The win came after Díaz’s impressive first-half performance, which included a goal that doubled Bayern’s lead to 2-0. His reckless tackle on Hakimi occurred just before the halftime whistle, resulting in a VAR review that confirmed the need for a red card.
Earlier in the match, PSG’s Ousmane Dembélé appeared to open the scoring with a goal that was eventually ruled offside after a VAR check. Dembélé, who had returned to action after a six-week absence due to a hamstring injury sustained while playing for France, was substituted shortly after the disallowed goal. He left the field, seemingly in discomfort, and went straight down the tunnel to the dressing room. His status following the match remains uncertain.
Coach Luis Enrique had previously assured that Dembélé was fit to play, adding to the concerns over player fitness within the PSG squad. The team also faced the absence of forward Désiré Doué, who is recovering from a right thigh injury.
The fallout from this match extends beyond the scoreboard, as both teams navigate player injuries and the implications for their Champions League campaigns. The incident involving Hakimi is a stark reminder of the physical risks involved in high-stakes football.
