Jobaaj Stories
PSG's Dramatic Comeback Victory Over Dunkerque in Coupe de France Semi-Final
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secured their place in the Coupe de France final after a thrilling 4-2 comeback victory over Ligue 2 side USL Dunkerque. The match, a rollercoaster of emotions, saw Dunkerque take a surprising 2-0 lead before Ousmane Dembélé's brace and a late goal secured PSG’s hard-fought win. This article delves into the details of this captivating semi-final clash.
Dunkerque's Dream Start
Against all odds, Dunkerque, making their first-ever Coupe de France semi-final appearance, stunned PSG with an early goal. Vincent Sasso tapped in after a deflected free-kick in the seventh minute. Their lead was doubled in the 27th minute by Muhannad Yahya Al-Saad's low volley, leaving PSG's defense reeling. Opta's pre-match win probability for Dunkerque was a mere 7.4%, making their performance even more remarkable.
PSG's Resurgence
Just before halftime, Ousmane Dembélé ignited PSG's comeback with a powerful shot, reducing the deficit to 2-1. The second half saw Marquinhos equalize with a header from Dembélé's cross, turning the momentum decisively in PSG's favor. Désiré Doué then put PSG ahead, and Dembélé sealed the victory with his second goal in stoppage time, his 32nd goal of the season. This comeback marked the first time PSG had overturned a two-goal deficit in the Coupe de France since 2012.
Post-Match Reactions and What's Next
PSG manager Luis Enrique praised his team's resilience, highlighting their ability to regroup at halftime and execute their game plan. Dembélé himself emphasized the team's collective effort and their focus on the upcoming challenges. PSG will now face either Cannes or Reims in the final, aiming for a record-extending 16th Coupe de France title. This win comes as PSG is also on the verge of securing their fourth consecutive Ligue 1 title and preparing for their Champions League quarter-final against Aston Villa.
Conclusion: An Unforgettable Coupe de France Semi-Final
The USL Dunkerque – PSG semi-final was a captivating display of contrasting fortunes. Dunkerque's spirited performance will be remembered, but ultimately, PSG’s superior quality and resilience shone through. Their comeback victory underscores their determination to continue their successful season and adds another chapter to the dramatic history of the Coupe de France. Will PSG secure their 16th title? Only time will tell.
