In a thrilling semi-final clash at the Stade Pierre Mauroy, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) showcased their resilience by overturning a two-goal deficit to defeat Dunkerque 4-2 and secure a spot in the final of the Coupe de France. The match, held on April 1, 2025, saw Ousmane Dembélé shine with a brace, further solidifying his status as one of the key players for the Ligue 1 giants.
The evening began on a shocking note for PSG, as Dunkerque, currently chasing promotion in Ligue 2, raced into a 2-0 lead within the first half hour. Vincent Sasso opened the scoring in the seventh minute, turning home a flick-on header from Alec Georgen at the far post. Just 20 minutes later, Muhannad Al Saad doubled the advantage for the hosts, slotting past PSG's Matvei Safonov after latching onto a ball over the top from Gaëtan Courtet.
With their backs against the wall, PSG needed a spark, and they found it just before halftime. Achraf Hakimi set up Dembélé, who drilled a shot into the net to halve the deficit. This goal, coming in the dying seconds of the first half, was crucial in shifting the momentum back in favor of the Parisians.
As the second half began, PSG quickly drew level. Three minutes after the restart, a controversial corner awarded to PSG led to a goal. Dembélé whipped in a cross that found skipper Marquinhos at the far left post, who headed it past Dunkerque goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen, making it 2-2.
PSG continued to press, and in the 62nd minute, they took the lead for the first time in the match. A clever back-heel from Bradley Barcola in the Dunkerque penalty area set up Désiré Doué, whose shot took a wicked deflection off a defender before finding the back of the net. Despite Jaouen's best efforts to save it, the deflection left him stranded.
As the match entered stoppage time, Dembélé put the game beyond doubt with his second goal of the night. He capitalized on a loose ball from a Dunkerque clearance and embarked on a surging run, slotting the ball home to secure a 4-2 victory. This goal marked Dembélé's 32nd of the season, a testament to his outstanding form.
"My teammates are helping me enormously," Dembélé told French broadcaster France 2 after the match. "I've been getting into good positions to score and I've been doing so." His performance was pivotal in PSG's comeback, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
In contrast, Dunkerque's captain Opa Sanganté expressed disappointment over the second goal, which he felt was unjustly awarded. "It was never a corner for the second goal," he lamented. "And once you let in a goal like that for the equaliser, it's going to be difficult, especially against a team like PSG. But we showed that we can play a good match. We gave a really good account of ourselves. It should help us for the rest of the season."
With this victory, PSG not only advanced to the final but also kept their hopes alive for a record 16th Coupe de France title. They will face the winner of the other semi-final between Cannes and Reims, set to take place on April 2, 2025. The final will be held at the prestigious Stade de France on May 24, 2025.
PSG is also on the brink of clinching the Ligue 1 title, with a chance to wrap up a record 13th top-flight championship on Saturday against Angers at the Parc des Princes. Meanwhile, Dunkerque, currently fifth in Ligue 2, will host Guingamp on Monday as they vie for a position in the promotion play-offs.
This match served as a reminder of the unpredictability of cup competitions, where lower division teams can challenge the giants of French football. Dunkerque's early success in the match demonstrated their capabilities, but PSG's quality ultimately shone through in the end.
As the season progresses, both teams have important fixtures ahead. PSG will look to maintain their momentum as they chase silverware, while Dunkerque aims to build on their performance against the defending champions and push for promotion.
The stage is set for an exciting finale in the Coupe de France, with PSG aiming to defend their crown and Dunkerque seeking to regroup and focus on their league ambitions.
Stay tuned as the footballing drama unfolds in the coming weeks, with both teams facing crucial matches that will define their seasons.
