Dembélé Stars As PSG Overcomes Dunkerque In Semi-Final

In an exhilarating Coupe de France semi-final at the Stade Pierre Mauroy, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) overcame a surprising deficit to defeat Dunkerque 4-2, thanks in large part to a stellar performance from Ousmane Dembélé. The match, held on April 1, 2025, drew a crowd of 45,000 fans, who witnessed a thrilling contest that showcased both teams' strengths and weaknesses.

PSG, looking to secure their place in the final, found themselves in an unexpected predicament early on, as Dunkerque took a shocking 2-0 lead. The underdogs, playing with tenacity and determination, capitalized on PSG's defensive lapses, scoring twice in the first half to send the Parisian giants into a state of disarray.

However, Ousmane Dembélé, who has been in sensational form this season, stepped up when his team needed him most. After a sluggish start, Dembélé ignited the PSG offense with a powerful strike just before halftime, pulling the score to 2-1. His goal came after a brilliant setup from Achraf Hakimi, who delivered a perfect pass into the box. Dembélé controlled the ball expertly and unleashed a thunderous shot that left Dunkerque's goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen with no chance.

"We knew it was going to be a tough match. They eliminated Brest, Lille, and Auxerre... but I felt worried at 0-2," Dembélé said in a post-match interview with BeIN Sports. "We had to be effective, and I remained focused on the game, knowing we would have opportunities to come back."

Indeed, Dembélé's goal shifted the momentum in favor of PSG, who came out strong in the second half. Just three minutes after the break, he provided a crucial assist, delivering a pinpoint cross to captain Marquinhos, who equalized with a simple tap-in. This goal marked a turning point in the match, as it energized the PSG squad and left Dunkerque reeling.

Despite their initial success, Dunkerque's defense began to falter under the pressure of PSG's relentless attack. Geoffrey Kondo, who had performed admirably in the first half, struggled to contain the dynamic interplay between Dembélé and his teammates. The young left-back was consistently tested by the pace and skill of Dembélé and Doué, ultimately leading to a breakdown in the Dunkerque defense.

PSG continued to press forward, and in the dying moments of the match, Dembélé sealed the victory with his second goal. In the fourth minute of stoppage time, he surged forward on a counterattack, calmly slotting the ball into the net to finalize the score at 4-2. This marked Dembélé's seventh double of the season, bringing his tally to 32 goals in 39 matches, including 24 goals since the beginning of 2025.

Dembélé's performance was nothing short of spectacular, earning him a rating of 8/10 for his contributions. His ability to adapt positions during the match, playing as a false nine in the first half before switching to the right wing, proved vital for PSG's success. Coach Luis Enrique praised Dembélé's efforts, emphasizing the importance of teamwork: "It’s a collective effort. My teammates serve me extremely well, and I’m always in a good position to score goals," he remarked.

While PSG celebrated their progression to the final, Dunkerque left the pitch with their heads held high. The Ligue 2 side demonstrated remarkable resilience and tactical discipline, executing their game plan effectively for much of the match. Their early goals, the result of set pieces and quick counterattacks, showcased their ability to challenge even the most formidable opponents.

Despite the defeat, Dunkerque's players were commended for their spirited performance. Naatan Skyttä, who contributed significantly to Dunkerque's attack, received a rating of 7/10 for his efforts, including delivering the free-kick that led to their opening goal. The team’s strategy to play low and exploit set pieces almost paid off, and they can take pride in their performance against the reigning champions.

However, the match also highlighted some concerning aspects of PSG's game. Their defensive frailties were evident, particularly during set pieces, where they conceded both of Dunkerque's goals. Lucas Beraldo, filling in for the injured Pacho, struggled throughout the match, earning a disappointing rating of 3/10. His failure to mark effectively on set pieces raised questions about the Parisian defense's composure under pressure.

The match concluded with PSG's victory, but it also served as a wake-up call for the team as they head into the final. The defensive lapses must be addressed if they hope to secure the Coupe de France title. As they prepare for their next challenge, the focus will be on tightening their defense while maintaining the attacking prowess that saw them through this tough semi-final.

In the end, PSG's experience and talent shone through, but Dunkerque's performance proved that they are a team to be reckoned with. With the Coupe de France final on the horizon, fans can expect an exciting conclusion to this year's tournament, as PSG aims to add another trophy to their illustrious cabinet.