PSG Beat Dunkerque to Reach French Cup Final

Paris Saint-Germain overcame a significant early scare to defeat second-tier Dunkerque 4-2 on Tuesday, April 1st, securing their place in the French Cup final and keeping alive their pursuit of a record-extending 16th title. Ousmane Dembélé scored twice as the Ligue 1 leaders fought back from 2-0 down.

Dunkerque, making their first-ever appearance in the French Cup semi-finals after notable upset wins over top-flight sides Lille and Brest, stunned the holders early on. Vincent Sasso tapped home in the seventh minute following a set piece, and Muhannad Yahya Al-Saad extended their lead with a low volley in the 27th minute, catching the PSG defense off guard.

PSG, however, responded before halftime. Dembélé pulled one back with a powerful shot after an assist from Achraf Hakimi. Captain Marquinhos then equalized three minutes into the second half, heading home Dembélé’s cross at the far post.

“It was a bit of a strange start to the game, they got into our box twice and scored two goals,” PSG manager Luis Enrique acknowledged. “We told ourselves at halftime not to lose our heads, to restructure everything and carry on.”

Desire Doué put PSG ahead in the 62nd minute, his shot taking a deflection off a Dunkerque defender. Dembélé then sealed the victory in stoppage time with his second goal of the night and 32nd across all competitions this season.

“This match will help us improve for the end of the season. It made us work on our courage,” said defender Marquinhos. Dembélé added: “We had to react very quickly… We’re going to take it one game at a time, it’s the final stretch of the season. We’re going to stay focused.”

PSG, who are on the verge of clinching their fourth consecutive Ligue 1 title and face Aston Villa in the Champions League quarter-finals next week, will play the winner of Wednesday’s semi-final between Stade de Reims and fourth-tier Cannes in the French Cup final. For Dunkerque, currently fifth in Ligue 2, the defeat ends their remarkable cup journey.