Arab youngster Achraf Hakimi a mixed bag as Real Madrid sink to 2-1 defeat at Girona

Brendon Netto

21:42 29/10/2017

Real Madrid suffered a shock 2-1 defeat at Girona on Sunday, bringing their record run of 13 successive away wins in La Liga to an end.

Cristhian Stuani and Portu scored the goals for the hosts in four second-half minutes after Isco’s opener in the first half.

The defeat leaves Real eight points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona after 10 games.

Here we look in-depth at the performance of Achraf Hakimi.

STATS

Shots – 1

Tackles – 0

Touches – 36

Passes – 22

Pass Accuracy – 77.3%

Key passes – 1

Aerials Won – 1

Dribbles – 1

Dispossessed – 2

EFFECTIVENESS

Hakimi has consistently impressed since his senior debut for Real Madrid at the start of the month. However, this was not one of his more reassuring performances in Dani Carvajal’s absence.

The right-back started the game well enough, initially containing the threat of Borja Garcia on Girona’s left flank. Despite the winger twisting and turning on one occasion early on, Hakimi stayed focused and blocked his cross into the box.

However, he did slip up and allow Garcia the chance to drive at goal and fire wide in the 21st minute.

Apart from that error, he didn’t do too much wrong defensively but the fact that he made no tackles or interceptions speaks volumes of his failure to impose himself on his opponents on Saturday.

Going forward, he was unlucky to be adjudged offside a few minutes before half-time as he made a good run into space down the right where he latched on to Isco’s pass in a promising position.

He did attempt a few penetrating passes and was consistent with his advances into the final third but couldn’t have much of an effect on the day.

KEY MOMENTS

21st min ERROR: Borja Garcia wins the ball off Hakimi and goes for goal but fires wide of the target.

24th min CROSS: Hakimi bombs down the right flank as Madrid go forward and his cross from just outside the box is only half-cleared, falling for Ronaldo whose shot was deflected behind for a corner.

42nd min OFFSIDE: Isco dinks a ball over to Hakimi on the right who has acres of space in a dangerous position but the flag is raised for offside when replays show he was in line.

VERDICT

It was hardly a game to remember for the young Moroccan who was replaced after 65 minutes. There were a few good signs nevertheless and in a defeat where most Madrid players were below par, it must be remembered that the defender is still only 18 and will have a few off days.