PSG's Ousmane Dembélé reflects on Champions League heroics against Liverpool
Ousmane Dembélé has emphasised the need for Paris Saint-Germain to suffer in order to achieve their ultimate goal, following his match-winning performance against Liverpool in the Champions League quarter-finals. The French international scored both goals in PSG's 2-0 victory at Anfield, securing a 4-0 aggregate win and a place in the last four. Speaking to Canal+ after the match, Dembélé reflected on the difficulty of the task despite a commanding first-leg advantage.
"Even though we won 2-0 in the first leg, we knew it would be difficult," Dembélé said. "Anyway, there is no easy match in the Champions League. You have to suffer to go all the way in this competition." The winger analysed the game's phases, noting, "In the first half, we had chances, we controlled the game. In the second, it was more complicated, but that's normal, it's the Champions League, there are only good teams. We come out of this double confrontation with two victories, that's very good."
Dembélé's brace at one of European football's most iconic venues underscored his vital importance to Luis Enrique's side this season. Since his €50 million move from Barcelona last summer, the 26-year-old has become a central figure in the Parisian attack, particularly in the absence of the departed Neymar and the often-rotated Kylian Mbappé. His performance at Anfield, where he calmly finished two key chances in the latter stages, demonstrated a clinical edge that has sometimes been questioned throughout his career.
With PSG still competing on two fronts—leading Ligue 1 and now in the Champions League semi-finals—Dembélé's form is peaking at a crucial moment. He acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating, "I try to give my maximum for PSG. I hope to have a very good end to the season, there are important deadlines." His comments hint at the dual objective of reclaiming the domestic title, which they lost to Lille last season, and finally capturing the elusive European crown that has driven the club's project for over a decade.
The victory over Liverpool, and Dembélé's starring role, also serves as a significant statement of intent. It showcased a resilient, mature PSG capable of winning gritty knockout ties away from home, a trait they have been criticised for lacking in previous campaigns. For Dembélé personally, it continues a season of redemption, re-establishing him as one of the world's most potent wide attackers after several injury-plagued years in Spain. As the season reaches its climax, his ability to deliver in the biggest moments will be paramount to PSG's quest for a historic double.
