Dembélé Scores as PSG Beat Man City to Top Champions League Group
Ousmane Dembele answered recent criticism with a goal as Paris Saint-Germain swept past Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, a result that put the French champions back at the top of their Champions League group.
Dembele turns scrutiny into a decisive European night
The 29-year-old had faced renewed questions after his displays for France during the Nations League break, but he played a central role in PSG’s outstanding away performance against the Premier League champions.
- Dembele scored during a ruthless PSG first half.
- PSG found repeated room in City’s defensive shape and were sharp in front of goal.
- City mounted a late response, but the visitors’ early advantage proved enough.
- The result arrives ahead of PSG’s upcoming Champions League meeting with Barcelona.
Asked whether the strike had been aimed at those who criticised him during the international window, Dembele laughed off the suggestion. He said he had enjoyed the break and holiday afterwards, joking that he could happily take more time off.
Dembele praised PSG’s quality and said they had used the available space well, particularly before half-time. However, he admitted Luis Enrique’s side eased off after the interval and were punished for relaxing.
Winger shrugs off a decade of debate
Dembele has regularly been the subject of scrutiny during his career in France and Spain, and he made clear that the latest discussion has not changed his approach.
In a light-hearted exchange with former City player Samir Nasri, the forward said criticism had followed him for 10 years and would not suddenly disappear. He also joked that he especially enjoys Champions League nights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays after a holiday, adding that any further leave would ultimately be decided by the coach.
PSG’s players were not distracted by pre-match doubts, Dembele insisted.
- He said the squad had no concern about outsiders questioning them.
- He stressed that it is still only October and PSG have played just their second Champions League fixture.
- He said the team’s task is to remain on course during the opening months before the more demanding stretch of the season.
- He highlighted the first-half display as the main positive, while acknowledging the second period was more difficult.
Top-eight target now drives PSG
Dembele said PSG’s objective in the revamped Champions League league phase is a top-eight finish, which would keep them clear of the play-off round.
He said the club are taking each match as it comes, aware that the demands of October will differ sharply from those in March. PSG want to carry their momentum across every competition, climb the Ligue 1 table and stay among the top eight in Europe.
The City win showed the level PSG can reach when their attacking players are clinical, and Dembele’s contribution gives Luis Enrique another major boost as the schedule begins to tighten.
