Here is the next installment of our “Analysis” series, taking a visual look back at a Paris Saint-Germain match to highlight a few key points. We are focusing on sequences from the 6–1 victory over Slovan Bratislava at the Parc des Princes during Matchday 1 of the 2026–2027 Champions League league phase. The goal conceded—the only blemish on the evening—is worth dissecting a little.
The situation as the ball arrives in the Parisian half.
PSG are still pressing very high and have just looked dangerous after scoring a minute earlier; the goalkeeper has opted to clear the ball to relieve the pressure. There is no immediate danger. However, Willian Pacho and Achraf Hakimi seem to hesitate over who should contest the duel.
Hakimi ultimately remains stationary, while Pacho takes a step forward and then retreats—either out of caution or in an attempt to force the opponent to play quickly while anticipating a potential threat in behind the defense.
Incidentally, the Slovan Bratislava header does not pose an immediate threat either, even though Paris could arguably have handled it better.
The situation following the Slovan Bratislava header
It is not ideal, but PSG do not yet appear to be on the verge of conceding a goal. Hakimi is there to receive the header, with several options available—some better than others. He could simply have cleared the ball out to the right flank. For a more subtle choice, there was a pass through the middle to Dro Hernandez and Maghnes Akliouche, or to Fabian Ruiz on the other side. He appears to have attempted a pass to Willian Pacho—a perfectly viable option—but he mishit it, sending the ball straight to a Slovak player who then launched Suleiman Camara down the left flank.
The situation as Suleiman Camara begins his dribble.
Ilya Zabarnyi is focused on his duel—perhaps a bit too much so. After reviewing the play numerous times, it appears he failed to scan the situation while running or as he confronted Camara. He likely didn’t realize Achraf Hakimi was there to provide cover should the forward attempt to cut back onto his stronger foot.
The Ukrainian seems to have opted to steer him toward the touchline and his left foot instead. In doing so, he arguably left too much space open, given the clearly visible difference in agility that followed. Had he properly assessed the situation, Zabarnyi could have taken fewer risks. He also could have reacted better to Camara’s slight feint toward the inside of the pitch—the very move Camara ultimately used to set up his shot after leaving the PSG defender in his wake.
That said, the defender might have avoided this predicament altogether had he managed his teammates’ positioning better earlier on. This is especially true considering the goal kick stemmed from Maghnes Akliouche’s odd decision to pass rather than shoot. Football moves fast; the slightest lapse in concentration can come at a heavy price.
