Dembélé Hat-trick Fires PSG to Champions League Play-off Spot
Ousmane Dembélé was the star of the show as Paris Saint-Germain secured a resounding 4-1 victory over VfB Stuttgart to book their place in the Champions League play-off round. The French forward’s hat-trick, along with a goal from Bradley Barcola, ensured PSG finished 15th in the 36-team league phase and secured a seeded position for the knockout round draw.
Stuttgart, who were eliminated from the competition following the defeat, endured a torrid first half, conceding three goals and struggling to contain PSG’s attacking threat. Chris Fuehrich scored a consolation goal for the home side, but it was not enough to prevent a heavy defeat.
This victory marks a remarkable turnaround for PSG, who were in danger of elimination from the Champions League in November. They have now won their last three games, scoring 11 goals in the process, to secure their place in the play-offs.
Manager Luis Enrique expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance and their progress in the competition.
“I’m very happy,” Enrique said. “We had a great draw. We fought from the first game to get points. We managed to get some.”
Dembélé’s hat-trick was the highlight of PSG’s dominant display. The French forward showcased his exceptional talent, scoring a stunning long-range goal and tormenting the Stuttgart defense throughout the match.
“It’s a football team,” Enrique said of Dembélé’s contribution. “There are times when the attackers are very good, like Barcola at the beginning now Dembélé. Maybe it will be Ramos later, Lee, Kvaraskhelia, Désiré Doué. It’s a team.”
Dembélé, who has been in superb form recently, expressed his delight at the team’s performance and their progress in the Champions League.
“We can be proud, we’ve played a great game from start to finish,” Dembélé said. “We’ve been playing well for a while now and tonight we showed a good mindset from the start.”
PSG will now face either Stade Brestois or Monaco in the play-off round, with the draw taking place on Friday. They will be hoping to carry their recent form into the knockout stages and challenge for the Champions League title.
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