On January 5, 2025, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) clinched the Trophée des Champions with a tense 1-0 victory over AS Monaco at the Stade 974 in Doha, Qatar. The match, spotlighting the fierce rivalry between the two clubs, saw Ousmane Dembélé emerge as the hero, scoring the decisive goal deep in injury time.
PSG, under the management of Luis Enrique, entered the match with high hopes of securing their first trophy of the season. This encounter was particularly special as it marked their second meeting within three weeks, where PSG had previously triumphed 4-2. The stakes were high, setting the stage for an exhilarating showdown.
Kickoff commenced at 5:30 PM local time, with both teams eager to start strong. PSG showed early dominance, with the first clear chance coming from Désiré Doué, who struck the crossbar following a respite through Monaco's defense. The early moments built anticipation as both teams anxiously sought the opening goal.
Despite PSG’s initial pressure, Kohn, Monaco’s goalkeeper, was proving to be formidable. He thwarted multiple attacks from Dembélé, who continuously tested him but found the net elusive. With each parry, Monaco's hopes seemed to rise, as they remained organized and disciplined under pressure.
Monaco had their own moments of danger, most significantly when Vanderson hit the post shortly after halftime. This marked the game’s shifting dynamic, as Monaco began creating more opportunities, unnerving the PSG side momentarily. Still, the resilience showcased by both defenses kept the match scoreless through the second half.
The last quarter of the match seemed destined to end with no victor. With time running out, PSG increased their urgency, creating more openings and challenging Monaco’s defense even more. There were several tense moments, with Kohn saving point-blank attempts, particularly from Gonçalo Ramos and Achraf Hakimi.
Yet as the match wore on, and just as penalties loomed on the horizon, Dembélé made his mark. The late drama unfolded as he found the net at the 92nd minute, sealing PSG’s victory. With his right foot, he finished off a low cross from Fabián Ruiz, placing the ball beyond Kohn's reach, igniting explosions of jubilation from PSG's supporters.
This goal not only avenged the earlier missed chances but also allowed the Parisian side to claim their 13th Trophée des Champions, reinforcing their dominance in French football. Dembélé’s accomplishment stands out as his ninth goal of the season and his fourth trophy since joining PSG.
Post-match reactions were filled with mixed emotions. Thilo Kehrer of Monaco described the loss as devastating. He remarked, “It's the worst scenario you can have. When you have a chance against PSG, you have to take it. Taking a last-minute goal is never good.” His words reflected the bitter taste of near victory slipping away at the last moment. Kehrer expressed hopes for the future, aiming to propel the team’s performance to qualify for the Champions League next season.
On the victorious side, Dembélé shared his thoughts on the hard-fought win, stating, “The second part of the season will be exciting. At PSG, every match is important. The match against Man City is important; we will try to win at Parc des Princes.” His determination revealed not just the significance of the moment but also the challenges and ambitions lying ahead for PSG.
With this win, PSG continues to dominate the Trophée des Champions, having won 11 of the last 12 editions. Their triumph on this occasion not only showcases their competitive edge but also emphasizes their preparedness as they move forward, especially with tougher matches looming against elite European teams.
The Trophée des Champions served as more than just another trophy; it symbolized the ambition of PSG as they strive for glory on various fronts. The match drew attention from fans and former players alike, leaving audiences eager for the upcoming season, loaded with high-stakes matches and expectations for continued success.
All eyes will be on PSG as they look to build on this momentum. Dembélé and his teammates have set the standard, and the Parisian faithful anticipate more thrilling football as they navigate the rest of the season aimed at establishing their legacy within the sport.