Ousmane Dembele electrified the Champions League stage as PSG overpowered debutants Brest 3-0, reaffirming their European ambitions.
Dembele added another two goals to his impressive tally, reaching 18 in his last 11 appearances. The French forward had already dazzled in his previous European outing against Stuttgart with three goals, a feat that has drawn comparisons with the legends Messi and Ronaldo. His pursuit of a back-to-back hat-trick was halted only by his substitution in the 82nd minute.
Former Wolves loanee Vitinha opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 21st minute after Pierre Lees-Melou mishandled a Dembele chance. Dembele then doubled the lead with a clinical finish just before halftime and sealed the win in the 66th minute with a powerful strike inside the penalty area. The Stade de France erupted in celebration as PSG imposed their authority on the game.
Reflecting on his form, Dembele said, “Everyone is focused and playing really well and that helps me to score goals if I am in the right positions to finish the chances.” He credited the contributions of Bradley Barcola, Desire Doue, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for providing him with outstanding service. PSG boss Luis Enrique chimed in: “He was already good in 2024 and in 2025 he is even better. It is a pleasure for me when you have so many players who are full of confidence.”
Brest, making their Champions League debut, came agonizingly close on two occasions before Dembele’s first goal. With the return leg scheduled in Paris on 19 February, PSG are strong favorites to progress and could face either Liverpool or even Dembele’s former club, Barcelona, in the last 16.
