Moroccan Players' Status on Champions League Night: Hakimi Returns to PSG Starting XI, Diaz on Bench

28 January 2026at18:54

The final matchday of the league phase (Matchday 8) of the UEFA Champions League competition takes place this Wednesday evening. All 18 matches will be played simultaneously, kicking off at 21:00 GMT+1.

This matchday features several Moroccan players, with Achraf Hakimi making his return to Paris Saint-Germain's starting lineup for their clash against English side Newcastle. This marks his first appearance since participating in the Africa Cup of Nations with the Moroccan national team.

Defender Nayef Aguerd also starts for French club Olympique Marseille against Belgian side Club Brugge, while his compatriot Bilal Nadir is on the bench.

Striker Ayoub El Kaabi starts for Greek club Olympiacos against Dutch side Ajax Amsterdam. Similarly, midfielder Ismael Saibari is in PSV Eindhoven's starting XI for their home match against German giants Bayern Munich.

Brahim Diaz is listed as a substitute for Real Madrid against Benfica. Left-back Anass Salah-Eddine is also on the bench for PSV Eindhoven, alongside Souhaib Driouech.

Q&A

Why is Achraf Hakimi returning to PSG's starting lineup for the Champions League?

Achraf Hakimi is back in PSG's starting XI for their Champions League match against Newcastle, marking his first appearance since his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations with the Moroccan national team.

What is Brahim Diaz's role for Real Madrid in the Champions League Matchday 8?

Brahim Diaz is listed as a substitute for Real Madrid in their Champions League fixture against Benfica. The article details other Moroccan players' roles across Europe on this crucial matchday.

UEFA Champions League