Dembélé Rescues PSG in Tense 2-1 Derby Win Over Paris FC

PARIS, FRANCE — Paris Saint-Germain secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over city rivals Paris FC at Parc des Princes, with Ousmane Dembélé's second-half strike proving the difference in a derby that tested the league runners-up's nerve. The result keeps PSG in second place on 36 points, maintaining pressure on the leaders, while Paris FC remain in 14th position despite a spirited performance that suggested their 16-point tally underestimates their capabilities.

Désiré Doué broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time, rifling a right-footed effort from the center of the box into the high center of the goal after excellent work from Fabián Ruiz. The Spanish midfielder threaded a perfectly weighted pass through Paris FC's defensive line, and Doué made no mistake with his finish, sending the home faithful into raptures just as the interval beckoned. It was a moment of quality that appeared to vindicate PSG's territorial dominance, as they had controlled 70% of possession and peppered Kevin Trapp's goal with wave after wave of attacks.

The lead lasted barely six minutes into the second period. Illia Zabarnyi's rash challenge on Alimami Gory in the penalty area handed Paris FC a lifeline, with referee awarding a spot-kick that the Ukrainian defender could have few complaints about. Zabarnyi received a yellow card for his troubles, and Willem Geubbels stepped up to convert the penalty with composure, slotting his right-footed effort into the bottom right corner to stun the Parc des Princes and level the contest at 1-1.

PSG's response was immediate and emphatic. Just two minutes after Geubbels' equalizer, Dembélé restored the advantage with a moment of individual brilliance. Warren Zaïre-Emery, who had been instrumental in PSG's midfield control throughout, picked out the French winger on the right side of the box. Dembélé cut inside onto his favored left foot and curled a precise shot into the bottom right corner, leaving Trapp with no chance and sending the home supporters into delirium once more.

The statistical narrative told the story of PSG's dominance. The hosts launched 20 shots at goal compared to Paris FC's six, with the visitors managing just three efforts on target despite their underdog determination. PSG's pressure yielded seven corners to Paris FC's solitary set-piece opportunity, while Trapp in the visiting goal was forced into four saves to keep his side in contention. Lucas Chevalier, by contrast, needed to make just two stops, though one crucial double save in the 77th minute—first denying Willem Geubbels' header before smothering Vincent Marchetti's follow-up—proved vital in preserving PSG's slender advantage.

The final stages grew increasingly tense as Paris FC pushed for a second equalizer. Mathieu Cafaro, introduced as a substitute, tested PSG's defensive resolve with a long-range effort in the 90th minute that sailed just wide. Nuno Mendes and Willian Pacho stood firm at the back for the hosts, while João Neves provided crucial protection in front of the defense. The match stretched into eight minutes of stoppage time, with delays for injuries to Nhoa Sangui adding to the drama, but PSG held firm to claim all three points.

Senny Mayulu impressed in PSG's midfield, winning key battles and driving his team forward, while Moustapha Mbow worked tirelessly for Paris FC despite being on the losing side. The tactical battle saw PSG manager opt for fresh legs late on, introducing Gonçalo Ramos, Bradley Barcola, and Marquinhos to see out the victory, while Paris FC boss threw on attacking reinforcements in Cafaro, Julien Lopez, and Mohamed Benoit-Dao in search of a dramatic late leveler that never materialized.

Looking ahead, Paris Saint-Germain will host Dijon on January 14 as they seek to maintain their title challenge, while Paris FC will look to bounce back when they host Nantes on the same day, hoping to build on a performance that showed they can compete with France's elite despite their mid-table position.