Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) continued their dominance in French football by securing their 13th French Super Cup title with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Monaco at Stadium 974 in Doha, Qatar. The match, held on Sunday evening, was decided by a stoppage-time goal from Ousmane Dembélé, ensuring PSG lifted the trophy for the third consecutive season.
Match Summary
The game pitted Ligue 1 champions PSG against Monaco, the league runners-up from the 2023-24 season. While both sides had their moments, it was PSG who ultimately emerged victorious, showcasing their resilience and knack for delivering in crucial moments.
First Half: Missed Opportunities
The opening stages of the match were evenly contested, with both teams creating chances but failing to convert. PSG’s Desire Doue came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 9th minute, rattling the crossbar with a powerful effort.
Monaco responded through Maghnes Akliouche and Takumi Minamino, who tested PSG’s returning goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, but the Italian shot-stopper stood firm. As the first half drew to a close, Lee Kang-In unleashed a long-range strike that forced Monaco’s Philipp Köhn into an acrobatic save, leaving the game scoreless at halftime.
Second Half: PSG Push for Victory
PSG emerged from the break with renewed energy, dominating possession and piling pressure on Monaco’s defense. Despite their attacking intent, the Parisians struggled to find the back of the net, with Monaco’s backline, led by Axel Disasi, holding firm.
Monaco, though under pressure, looked dangerous on the counterattack. Wissam Ben Yedder and Minamino combined well but failed to capitalize on their limited opportunities.
Stoppage-Time Drama
Just when it seemed the match was destined for penalties, Ousmane Dembélé delivered the decisive moment. In the 92nd minute, Fabian Ruiz threaded a perfectly weighted pass across the face of goal, and Dembélé calmly slotted the ball into the far corner, sparking wild celebrations from the PSG bench and fans.
The goal was a testament to Dembélé’s composure and clinical finishing, further cementing his status as a key player for PSG this season.
Key Statistics
| Statistic | PSG | Monaco |
|---|---|---|
| Shots | 27 | 10 |
| Shots on Target | 9 | 4 |
| Possession (%) | 63 | 37 |
| Pass Accuracy (%) | 89 | 78 |
| Corners | 7 | 3 |
PSG’s dominance was evident in their 27 shots, nine of which were on target, compared to Monaco’s 10 attempts. The Ligue 1 champions also controlled 63% of possession, dictating the tempo throughout the game.
Player Performances
Paris Saint-Germain
- Ousmane Dembélé (8.5/10): The match-winner. His late goal was a moment of brilliance that secured the trophy.
- Fabian Ruiz (8/10): Provided the assist for Dembélé’s goal and was a constant presence in midfield.
- Gianluigi Donnarumma (7.5/10): Made crucial saves to deny Monaco’s best chances.
Monaco
- Philipp Köhn (8/10): Kept Monaco in the game with several outstanding saves.
- Axel Disasi (7.5/10): Commanding in defense, thwarting numerous PSG attacks.
- Maghnes Akliouche (6.5/10): Showed flashes of brilliance but lacked the finishing touch.
PSG’s Record-Breaking Dominance
This victory solidifies PSG’s status as the most successful club in French Super Cup history, with 13 titles to their name. The Parisians have now won the competition in 11 of the last 12 seasons, showcasing their consistency and dominance in domestic football.
What’s Next?
For PSG
PSG will shift their focus back to Ligue 1, where they sit atop the table. Their next challenge is a home fixture against St. Etienne, as they aim to maintain their momentum and extend their lead in the league.
For Monaco
Monaco will look to regroup and bounce back in their upcoming Ligue 1 match against Nantes. Despite the defeat, their performance in the Super Cup highlighted their potential to compete at the highest level this season.
Conclusion
Paris Saint-Germain’s victory over Monaco in the French Super Cup was a testament to their resilience and quality. Ousmane Dembélé’s late heroics ensured another piece of silverware for the Ligue 1 giants, further cementing their dominance in French football. While Monaco showed promise, they were ultimately undone by PSG’s depth and ability to deliver in critical moments.
As both teams return to league action, this match serves as a reminder of PSG’s superiority and the challenges their rivals must overcome to dethrone them.
FAQs
- Who scored the winning goal for PSG?
Ousmane Dembélé scored the decisive goal in stoppage time. - How many French Super Cups has PSG won?
PSG have now won the competition 13 times, a record in French football. - Where was the match held?
The game was played at Stadium 974 in Doha, Qatar. - What’s next for PSG and Monaco?
PSG face St. Etienne in Ligue 1, while Monaco travel to Nantes for their next league fixture. - Who were the standout players?
Ousmane Dembélé and Fabian Ruiz were instrumental for PSG, while Philipp Köhn impressed for Monaco.
