Ousmane Dembélé has predicted another all-out attacking encounter when Paris Saint-Germain travel to Bayern Munich for the decisive second leg of their Champions League semi-final next week. The French forward's comments follow a breathtaking 5-4 victory for PSG in the first leg at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday, a match he was named Player of the Match for his influential performance.
Speaking to Canal + after the match, Dembélé reflected on the chaotic nature of the nine-goal thriller. "It was two teams that seek to attack that don't question themselves," he said. "We know Bayern are a top team, and us too. We're happy with the result, despite being up 5-2. We stopped playing a little by the end. Bayern are a top team. It was an incredible game." The result gives PSG a slender one-goal advantage heading to the Allianz Arena.
When asked if he anticipates a similar style of match in Munich, Dembélé was unequivocal. "Yes, we're two sides that want to attack. We won't change our philosophy. We want to attack and so do they, so I think a great game is in the offing," he stated. This commitment to an offensive approach from both clubs sets the stage for another potentially high-scoring decisive leg, with a place in the final at Wembley Stadium on the line.
The first leg showcased the very attacking philosophies Dembélé referenced, with PSG's Kylian Mbappé scoring twice and Bayern's Harry Kane netting a penalty. For Dembélé, the match continued a strong individual campaign in Europe. Since his €50 million move from Barcelona last summer, the 26-year-old winger has become a central creative force for Luis Enrique's side, particularly in the Champions League knockout stages.
The context of the tie adds further intrigue. Bayern Munich, under outgoing manager Thomas Tuchel, must overturn the deficit at home, while PSG aim to reach their second Champions League final, seeking the elusive first title that has driven the club's project for over a decade. The nature of the first-leg result, where PSG conceded two late goals to see a 5-2 lead shrink to 5-4, ensures Bayern will travel with belief despite the defeat.
Dembélé and his teammates now face the challenge of managing their lead in a hostile environment against a European giant renowned for comebacks. The forward acknowledged the task ahead, saying, "now we'll go to Munich, hoping to get the win in order to qualify for the final." The second leg promises to test whether PSG's adventurous style can succeed away from home or if Bayern's experience and firepower will prevail in a tie that has already delivered a classic.
