Paris Saint-Germain pulled off a dramatic comeback on Tuesday night to defeat Ligue 2 underdogs Dunkerque 4-2 in the semi-finals of the French Cup, securing their place in next month’s final. The defending champions were given a major scare by the second-tier side, who stormed into a shock 2-0 lead inside the first half hour. But PSG’s star-studded squad eventually took control, with Ousmane Dembele leading the charge with two goals in a game played in Lille, due to stadium restrictions in Dunkerque. PSG will now face either Reims or fourth-division side Cannes in the French Cup final at the Stade de France on May 24. The second semi-final between those teams takes place on Wednesday.
 

Dunkerque, sitting fifth in Ligue 2 and appearing in their first French Cup semi-final in 96 years, had already eliminated three top-flight clubs en route to the last four. They started the match full of belief and stunned PSG early. In the seventh minute, Alec Georgen’s header from a left-sided free-kick found Vincent Sasso, who fired the ball into the net via the underside of the crossbar to open the scoring. Their dream start continued when they doubled the lead in the 27th minute. A long goal-kick was flicked on by Gaetan Courtet into the path of Saudi Arabian winger Muhanad Al-Saad, who calmly slotted past the PSG goalkeeper. The Dunkerque supporters, who had travelled from the northern port city to watch the match in Lille, could hardly believe the scoreline. But as the first half neared its end, PSG began to find their rhythm. Achraf Hakimi cut the ball back into the box, where Ousmane Dembele was waiting to smash it home and pull one back for the Ligue 1 giants just before the break.
 

PSG came out of the dressing room fired up and equalised just three minutes into the second half. A short corner routine led to a cross from Dembele, which was met by captain Marquinhos, who headed home to make it 2-2. The goal sparked protests from Dunkerque players, who believed the corner should not have been awarded, but the referee stood by the decision. Shortly afterward, Dunkerque nearly regained the lead when Naatan Skytta met a cross with a powerful header, only for it to miss the target. That missed opportunity proved costly as PSG took the lead for the first time in the match in the 63rd minute. Desire Doue, recently called up to the French national team, played a quick one-two with Bradley Barcola before his deflected shot found the back of the net. As Dunkerque pushed forward in search of an equaliser, gaps opened up at the back. Deep into stoppage time, Dembele exploited one such opening to burst clear and slot home PSG’s fourth goal, completing the comeback and sealing their ticket to the final.
 

Despite the defeat, Dunkerque earned widespread admiration for their fearless approach and inspiring cup run. For PSG, the win not only keeps their domestic double hopes alive but also serves as a confidence booster ahead of a busy schedule. Luis Enrique’s side can clinch the Ligue 1 title this weekend if they avoid defeat at home against Angers. The Parisians will then turn their attention to Europe as they prepare to face Aston Villa next Wednesday in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final. With the French Cup final now just weeks away, PSG will be eager to claim more silverware. Whether they face Reims or the fairytale story of Cannes, their performance against Dunkerque proves that even the biggest clubs cannot take any opponent lightly in knockout football.