In a thrilling semi-final match of the French Cup held on April 1, 2025, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) triumphed over Dunkerque with a score of 4-2, securing their place in the final. The match took place at the Marcel-Tribut stadium, where the home team initially stunned the Parisians by taking a two-goal lead within the first 27 minutes.
Dunkerque opened the scoring early in the match, taking advantage of a lapse in PSG's defense. In the 7th minute, Vincent Sassou found the back of the net after being left unmarked during a set piece, putting the hosts ahead. Just 20 minutes later, Mouhannad Al-Saad doubled Dunkerque's lead with a precise strike, leaving PSG's goalkeeper Matvey Safonov with little chance to respond.
Despite the early setback, PSG began to find their rhythm. The turning point came just before halftime when Usman Dembele scored in the 45th minute, reducing the deficit to 2-1. This goal was crucial in shifting the momentum back in favor of the Parisians.
The second half saw PSG come out with renewed determination. Just three minutes after the break, Marquinhos leveled the score at 2-2, setting the stage for an exciting finish. The match continued to unfold with intensity, and Desire Doue put PSG ahead in the 66th minute, making it 3-2. Dembele, who had already scored once, capped off a remarkable performance by netting his second goal of the match in the dying moments, sealing the victory at 4-2.
This match marked a significant moment for Safonov, who played the entire game. Although he conceded two goals, it was only the second time this season that he had allowed multiple goals in a match. In previous outings, the Russian goalkeeper had either conceded just once or kept a clean sheet. His performance throughout the tournament has been commendable, especially considering he joined PSG from Krasnodar in the summer of 2024 for a reported fee of 20 million euros.
As PSG advances to the final, they await the winner of the match between Cannes and Reims, hoping to defend their title as the reigning holders of the French Cup. Coach Luis Enrique expressed his satisfaction with the team's resilience, stating, "We showed great character to come back from a difficult position. The players responded well, and I’m proud of their efforts."
With the final just around the corner, fans are eager to see if PSG can secure another trophy under their belt, especially with stars like Dembele in top form. The upcoming match promises to be an exciting culmination of the tournament, as PSG looks to add to their illustrious history in French football.
In summary, the semi-final showcased the unpredictability of cup competitions, where early leads can quickly evaporate. Dunkerque fought valiantly but ultimately fell short against a determined PSG side. As the Parisians prepare for the final, all eyes will be on them to see if they can continue their journey toward glory.
