Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) staged a thrilling comeback to defeat Dunkerque 4-2 in the semi-finals of the French Cup, securing their place in the final. The match, held in Lille, saw Dunkerque take an unexpected early lead, but PSG's firepower ultimately prevailed.
Dunkerque, competing in their first French Cup semi-final in 96 years, shocked the footballing world by going ahead just seven minutes into the match. Vincent Sasso scored the opener, tapping in a flicked ball from Alec Georgen after a set-piece, sending the Dunkerque fans into raptures. The underdogs doubled their advantage in the 27th minute when Muhannad Al-Saad finished a swift counter-attack, catching the PSG defense off-guard with a well-placed header following a flick-on from Gaetan Courtet.
With the score at 2-0, it seemed as though Dunkerque might pull off one of the greatest upsets in French Cup history. However, PSG, known for their resilience and attacking prowess, began to claw their way back into the match. Just before halftime, Ousmane Dembele scored a crucial goal, converting a cut-back from Achraf Hakimi to make it 2-1. This goal not only revitalized PSG's hopes but also shifted the momentum in their favor.
As the second half commenced, PSG continued to apply pressure. Just three minutes after the restart, captain Marquinhos equalized for PSG, heading in a cross from Dembele after a short corner. The match was now level, and the Dunkerque players were left frustrated, feeling that the corner should not have been awarded.
Despite the setback, Dunkerque nearly regained the lead shortly after, with Naatan Skytta coming close to scoring. However, it was PSG who took control of the match as Desire Doue scored in the 62nd minute. After a clever one-two with Bradley Barcola, Doue's deflected shot found the back of the net, putting PSG ahead 3-2.
In the dying moments of the match, Dembele capped off an impressive performance by scoring his second goal deep into injury time, sealing the victory at 4-2. This marked Dembele's 32nd goal of the season across all competitions, showcasing his vital role in PSG's attacking lineup.
With this victory, PSG not only advanced to the French Cup final, scheduled for May 24, 2025, at the Stade de France, but they also continued their pursuit of a record-extending 16th title in the competition. They will face the winner of the second semi-final between Reims and Cannes, which is set to take place on April 2, 2025.
Looking ahead, PSG is on the brink of clinching the Ligue 1 title as well. They can secure the championship on Saturday, April 5, 2025, if they avoid defeat against Angers. Following that, PSG will shift their focus to the Champions League, where they will face Aston Villa in the first leg of the quarter-finals on April 9, 2025.
Despite the loss, Dunkerque's performance was commendable. The team, currently fifth in Ligue 2, has made history by reaching the semi-finals, and their fans are hopeful for a bright future. Coach and players expressed pride in their achievement, even in defeat, emphasizing the importance of their journey in this prestigious tournament.
The match statistics reflected a competitive encounter, with Dunkerque amassing 1.13 expected goals compared to PSG's 1.61. This highlights the effectiveness of PSG's attack, especially in the second half when they turned the tide in their favor.
In conclusion, PSG's comeback victory against Dunkerque is a testament to their determination and skill. As they prepare for the final and the challenges ahead in both Ligue 1 and the Champions League, the Parisians remain a formidable force in European football.
