On April 1, 2025, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) showcased their resilience and determination by overcoming a two-goal deficit to defeat Dunkerque 4-2 in the Coupe de France semi-final held at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy. This thrilling match not only secured PSG's place in the final but also demonstrated the unpredictability and excitement that the cup competition can bring.
Despite being the reigning champions and a formidable force in Ligue 1, PSG found themselves in a precarious position early in the match. Dunkerque, currently fifth in Ligue 2, stunned the favorites by taking a 2-0 lead within the first half. The opening goal came in the 7th minute when Vincent Sasso capitalized on a defensive lapse from PSG, heading the ball in from a corner kick that left the Parisian defense scrambling (1-0). Just twenty minutes later, in the 27th minute, Dunkerque doubled their advantage when Muhannad Al-Saad pounced on a loose ball in the box after a failed clearance, making it 2-0.
As the clock ticked down towards halftime, the atmosphere in the stadium was electric, with Dunkerque fans reveling in the unexpected lead. However, PSG, known for their attacking prowess, was not ready to concede defeat. In a crucial moment just before the break, Ousmane Dembélé, who had been a constant threat throughout the match, scored a powerful strike from inside the box, reducing the deficit to 2-1 just before halftime. His goal came from a well-placed pass by Vitinha, showcasing Dembélé's ability to change the game's momentum.
Returning from the locker rooms, PSG continued to apply pressure, and their efforts paid off almost immediately. Just three minutes into the second half, Marquinhos, the captain, equalized with a deft header from a corner kick taken by Dembélé. This goal not only shifted the momentum firmly in PSG's favor but also highlighted the contentious nature of the corner awarded to PSG, as many Dunkerque players argued it should not have been given. Opa Sanganté, Dunkerque's captain, expressed frustration, stating, "How in 2025, with VAR, can a corner that doesn’t exist be given?" This incident fueled the controversy surrounding the match, as the VAR system does not review corner decisions.
With the score leveled at 2-2, PSG seized control of the match, showcasing their superior skill and depth. In the 62nd minute, Désiré Doué took advantage of a defensive mistake by Dunkerque, firing a shot from outside the box that was deflected by Sasso, giving PSG a 3-2 lead. The Parisian crowd erupted as their team began to assert dominance.
As the match approached its conclusion, Dunkerque's hopes for a comeback dwindled. PSG continued to press forward, and in stoppage time, Dembélé struck again, sealing the victory with a well-placed shot that caught Dunkerque's goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen off-guard. Dembélé's performance was nothing short of spectacular, as he not only scored two goals but also provided the assist for Marquinhos' equalizer.
After the match, PSG's manager Luis Enrique praised his team's character and ability to come back from adversity. He noted, "We showed great mental strength to recover from being two goals down. Ousmane's performance was crucial for us today, and it reflects our determination to win the Cup again." Meanwhile, Dunkerque's players expressed their disappointment but also pride in their performance against a top-tier team. The defeat was hard to swallow, especially after leading for so long, but they held their heads high, knowing they had pushed PSG to their limits.
Looking ahead, PSG will face the winner of the other semi-final match between Cannes and Reims, scheduled for April 2. The final will take place on May 24 at the iconic Stade de France, where PSG will aim to secure their 16th Coupe de France title. As the team prepares for this crucial match, they will also keep their eyes on the upcoming UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Aston Villa, which adds another layer of intensity to their season.
This match against Dunkerque serves as a reminder of the magic of cup competitions, where underdogs can challenge giants and anything can happen on the day. For PSG, this victory is a step closer to maintaining their trophy-laden legacy, while Dunkerque can take solace in their commendable performance and the respect they earned on the national stage.
