In the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final, Paris Saint-Germain claimed a crucial 1-0 away victory over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, thanks to an early strike from Ousmane Dembélé.
The French winger’s thunderous finish in the 4th minute proved decisive, giving PSG the upper hand heading into the second leg.
As soon as Dembélé’s shot hit the back of the net, many fans had a familiar feeling—PSG were likely heading home with a win.
Dembélé: PSG’s Undisputed Lucky Charm
For PSG, Dembélé’s goals have become synonymous with victory this season. The “score-and-win” formula has held true every time he finds the net in the Champions League.
Back in the group stage, he scored in PSG’s thrilling 4-2 win over Premier League champions Manchester City. He then followed that up with a stunning hat-trick against Stuttgart in a commanding 4-1 victory.
The knockout rounds have only amplified his impact. In the Round of 16 play-off first leg, Dembélé bagged a brace in PSG’s 3-0 rout of Brest.
Then, in the second leg against Liverpool, it was his dramatic 89th-minute goal that forced extra time and ultimately enabled PSG to advance on penalties.
Now, in the semi-final against another English giant, Arsenal, it was again Dembélé’s goal that separated the sides—his seventh of this Champions League campaign and yet another “Dembélé-decides” performance.
Lighting Up All Competitions
Dembélé’s brilliance isn’t confined to European nights. In Ligue 1, he has scored 21 goals so far this season, leading PSG’s attacking line.
According to Opta stats, PSG remain unbeaten in the 14 league games in which Dembélé has scored, with a record of 12 wins and 2 draws.
In domestic cup competitions, his goals have been just as decisive—every match in which he’s scored has ended in victory for PSG.
Whether it’s statistics or in-game impact, it’s clear Dembélé has become a cornerstone of PSG’s attack and one of the most influential players in the squad this season.
Injury Concern Casts Shadow Over Second Leg
Despite his heroics, the night ended on a worrying note for PSG. In the 70th minute, Dembélé went down with what appeared to be a non-contact injury. He limped off visibly in pain and was substituted shortly after.
While the club has yet to release an official statement regarding his condition, early signs suggest a potential muscle strain—possibly to the right thigh. With the decisive second leg just a week away at Parc des Princes, his availability is now a major question mark.
Should Dembélé be ruled out, it would be a huge blow to PSG’s hopes of securing a place in the final, particularly as they aim to protect their slender lead.
Dembélé: PSG’s Hope and Risk All in One
This season, Dembélé has silenced doubters who once questioned his consistency and fitness. He has emerged as a key attacking threat, bringing flair, directness, and crucial goals just when PSG have needed them most.
However, with his injury casting a shadow over the return leg, PSG now face a critical few days. His recovery has become a top priority for the coaching and medical staff—and the anxiety among supporters is palpable.
Will Dembélé’s first-leg strike be enough to propel PSG into the final in Istanbul? Or was it just the beginning of an even sterner test to come?
The answer will be revealed in the decisive second leg.
