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PSG player ratings vs Borussia Dortmund: Vitinha runs the show as Kylian Mbappe and Achraf Hakimi ensure perfect Champions League start

Thomas Hindle
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Vitinha Mbappe Hakimi PSG
The French champions' European campaign started with a 2-0 win at Parc des Princes, buoyed by a strong showing from the young midfielder

Although Kylian Mbappe and Achraf Hakimi grabbed the goals, it was the silky performance of polarising midfielder Vitinha that was key in Paris Saint-Germain's 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund. After a drab first half, PSG sprung into life in the second, and ran out deserved winners against a well-drilled Dortmund side.

Vitinha came closest in the first half, rattling the post from distance after a quick interchange in the final third. Things changed swiftly in the second, though, as Niklas Sule handled the ball in the box after a sweeping PSG move and Mbappe buried the ensuing penalty with ease.

They doubled their advantage 10 minutes later, Hakimi strolling through the Dortmund defence and finishing after a quick interchange with Vitinha. PSG were a constant threat for the remainder of the half, the front three of Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Randal Kolo Muani causing problems on the break. But it all rooted from Vitinha, the midfielder offering a valuable link between the two areas of the pitch.

Dortmund came close to making things interesting when substitute Jamie Bynoe-Gittens rattled the post from outside the box with 10 minutes remaining. But PSG were otherwise reasonably comfortable, the first European showing of this new-look side offering plenty of promise.

GOAL rates PSG's players from Parc des Princes...

Editors' Picks

  1. Goalkeeper & Defence
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    Goalkeeper & Defence

    Gianluigi Donnarumma (6/10):

    Only had the one save to make. Distributed well — a part of his game that will need to improve under Luis Enrique.

    Achraf Hakimi (8/10):

    His goal was wonderful, beating two players before adding a calm touch. He got forward effectively, tracked back well. One of the world's best, on his day.

    Marquinhos (7/10):

    Had little to do, but one excellent clearance ensured that PSG's lead remained secure late in the second half. Was solid at full-back in the closing minutes.

    Milan Skriniar (6/10):

    Pulled around by Adeyemi and Malen in the first half. More effective against a bigger forward in the second.

    Lucas Hernandez (6/10):

    A steady presence behind Mbappe. Didn't do loads going forward, but kept things tight at the back.

  2. Midfield
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    Midfield

    Warren Zaire-Emery (8/10):

    Put a shift in, but was also immensely effective on the ball. Dortmund tried to match up man-for-man in midfield, the teenager still managed to find space.

    Manuel Ugarte (7/10):

    Avoided a late injury scare to earn his spot in the XI. Started slowly, but was more effective in the second half. Clean in possession, which Luis Enrique will like.

    Vitinha (8/10):

    Excellent in the build-up to Hakimi's goal. Hit the post in the first half. A performance to answer the critics after a slow opening to the season.

  4. Attack
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    Attack

    Ousmane Dembele (5/10):

    The busier, if less effective, of the two wingers. Dribbled around people a lot, but some of his decision making was very poor.

    Randal Kolo Muani (6/10):

    Preferred over Ramos for his full debut. Happy to run in the channels, and played some good stuff with either winger. He would've liked a goal, though.

    Kylian Mbappe (7/10):

    Scored the opener — his eighth of the season — from the penalty spot after not having much of an influence in the first half. Although he lacked sharpness in front of goal, some of his passing was wonderful.

  5. Subs & Manager
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    Subs & Manager

    Goncalo Ramos (6/10):

    Unlucky not to start ahead of Kolo Muani. Had the ball in the net, but saw his effort chalked off.

    Lee Kang-in (7/10):

    A solid cameo that suggests he deserves to see the pitch more often.

    Danilo Pereira (N/A):

    Late legs for Hernandez. He'll be a valuable player in the coming months.

    Luis Enrique (8/10):

    Deployed his strongest side, and after a poor first half, they came alive in the second. PSG were comfortable, and he will feel that there's plenty more to come. Promising from the Parisians.