Dembélé's Impact Leads PSG to Champions League Semifinal

Ousmane Dembélé played a pivotal role in Paris Saint-Germain's 1-0 win over Arsenal in the Champions League semi-final first leg, scoring the decisive early goal before being substituted in the 70th minute due to a minor thigh issue, though both the player and coach Luis Enrique downplayed the severity. Dembélé's performance highlighted his transformation from a mercurial winger to a prolific frontman, thriving in a more central role since Kylian Mbappé's departure. With 45 goal contributions this season, he has become essential to PSG's dynamic and technically gifted style of play, which has helped the team dominate top opponents. His resurgence follows a period of early-season frustration and disciplinary setbacks, but recent performances in both domestic and European competitions have put him in contention for honors like the Ballon d’Or. Despite a brief goal drought, he remains a central figure in PSG's attack, having recently reached 200 career goal involvements. As PSG look ahead to the second leg, some uncertainty remains about his fitness, but he is widely seen as central to their hopes of reaching their first Champions League title.