Paris Saint-Germain's quest for European glory has taken center stage this season, with Ousmane Dembélé emerging as a key player in their attacking arsenal. Dembélé's pace, flair, and ability to change games in an instant have made him a fan favorite and a crucial weapon in PSG's Champions League ambitions.
Ousmane Dembélé has been pivotal for PSG during the Champions League knockout stages. His standout moment came in the semi-final first leg against Arsenal, where he netted the winner, giving the Paris side a crucial advantage. However, a muscle injury meant that, for the high-stakes second leg in Paris, Dembélé started on the bench. Read ESPN's match preview and lineup news for more insights into how PSG managed his fitness and tactics.
Despite his absence from the starting lineup, Dembélé’s presence loomed large. PSG showcased their depth but it was clear that Dembélé’s creativity was missed at times when breaking through Arsenal’s well-drilled defence. The team's ultimate progression to the Champions League final speaks to both tactical strength and the contributions of stars like Dembélé in previous rounds.
PSG's semi-final clash with Arsenal was intense. They managed a 2-1 victory in the second leg, sealing a 3-1 aggregate win. While Arsenal dominated at times, PSG’s complete team performance, including Dembélé’s earlier impact, proved decisive. Sky Sports' live analysis and updates highlighted the drama and emotion in Paris as the Parc des Princes celebrated a long-awaited Champions League final.
Coach Luis Enrique’s careful rotation and use of players showed trust in both starters and bench options. Dembélé, even when not fully fit, remains a versatile threat who can unlock defenses and create chances for teammates like Kylian Mbappé. His recovery will be watched closely as PSG prepares for the final showdown against Inter Milan.
The arrival of Ousmane Dembélé at PSG was a calculated move to add dynamism out wide. His dribbling, quick decision-making, and explosiveness offer unique solutions—especially in tight European matches. When Dembélé is on the pitch, defenders are often forced out of their comfort zones, leading to gaps for others to exploit.
This season, PSG’s campaign has demonstrated how depth and star power like Dembélé's can decide crucial knockout fixtures. Their balanced approach, from defense to attack, gives them a strong shot at lifting their first Champions League trophy.
With the Champions League final on the horizon, all eyes turn to whether Ousmane Dembélé will be fully fit and ready to start. His performances have already left a mark on the tournament, but the biggest test is yet to come.
For broader context on the Champions League qualification landscape and how other clubs are fighting for European spots, BBC Sport's analysis provides useful perspective.
Ousmane Dembélé’s journey with PSG is reaching its most exciting chapter. Whether starting or coming off the bench, his influence is undeniable. If he returns at full strength for the final, fans and pundits alike expect Dembélé to play a decisive role. Stay tuned as PSG chases its ultimate European dream, with Ousmane Dembélé ready to make history.