Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) survived a major scare in the French Cup semi-finals on Tuesday, overturning a two-goal deficit to defeat second-tier Dunkerque 4-2 and book their place in next month’s final.
Ousmane Dembele starred for PSG, scoring twice to take his season tally to 32 goals across all competitions. Captain Marquinhos and Desire Doue also found the net for the holders in a thrilling encounter played in Lille.
PSG will now face the winner of Wednesday’s second semi-final between Reims and fourth-division Cannes in the final at the Stade de France on May 24.
Fifth in Ligue 2 and contesting their first French Cup semi-final in 96 years, Dunkerque had already stunned three top-tier teams en route to the last four. For the first half-hour, it seemed they were poised to pull off one of the competition’s greatest upsets.
The underdogs took a shock lead in the seventh minute when Alec Georgen flicked on a free-kick, allowing Vincent Sasso to volley home via the underside of the crossbar.
Dunkerque then doubled their advantage in the 27th minute, exposing PSG with a direct approach. A long kick from their goalkeeper was nodded forward by Gaetan Courtet, setting up Saudi Arabian winger Muhanad Al-Saad to race through and finish clinically.
The Dunkerque fans, who had traveled to Lille as their home stadium was deemed unsuitable for the occasion, were left in dreamland as they witnessed their side outclass the French giants early on.
However, PSG found a lifeline just before the break when Achraf Hakimi teed up Dembele to fire home. Three minutes into the second half, the equaliser arrived as Marquinhos headed in from a Dembele cross following a short corner—though Dunkerque players furiously protested the awarding of the corner.
Dunkerque nearly regained the lead moments later through Naatan Skytta’s header, but it was PSG who struck next. New France international Doue combined with Bradley Barcola before scoring via a deflected shot just past the hour mark.
With Dunkerque pushing forward in search of an equaliser, PSG struck again deep in stoppage time. Dembele broke free on the counter and slotted home to wrap up the comeback victory.
Luis Enrique’s PSG could be crowned Ligue 1 champions as early as Saturday if they avoid defeat against Angers. They also face a crucial Champions League quarter-final first leg against Aston Villa next Wednesday, as they continue their pursuit of a treble-winning season.
