PSG's Champions League Hopes Rest on Dembele's Goal-Scoring Form

Ousmane Dembele's goal drought raises concerns for PSG ahead of crucial Champions League semifinal against Arsenal.

Paris Saint-Germain's hopes of beating Arsenal and reaching the Champions League final hinge on Ousmane Dembele recapturing his prolific goalscoring form. Dembele had a remarkable start to the year, scoring 25 goals in 20 games for PSG between mid-December and mid-March.

Under coach Luis Enrique, Dembele was transformed from a winger to a central striker, and his statistics during that period were those of a player completely reborn. Now, PSG's chances depend on him rediscovering that lethal form.

Ousmane Dembele's form has dipped since returning from international duty with France. The 27-year-old had a crucial goal against Liverpool in PSG's Champions League last-16 tie.

Dembele, a former Barcelona star, has struggled to find his clinical edge, scoring just twice in his last seven club outings. His last two goals came in a French Cup semi-final win against Dunkerque in early April.

Ousmane Dembele went goalless in both legs of PSG's Champions League quarter-final win against Aston Villa. He also failed to score in PSG's 3-1 loss to Nice, despite taking seven shots.

Dembele's recent struggles have coincided with PSG's dip in form, with the team winning only once in their last four matches. This slump has raised concerns about their title prospects.

Dembele's PSG Journey Comes Full Circle

Ousmane Dembele provided a fine assist for Fabian Ruiz's goal in PSG's 3-1 loss to Nice, despite his team's defeat. He also played a key role in setting up goals against Aston Villa.

The upcoming tie against Arsenal brings Dembele and PSG full circle, following their 2-0 loss to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in October, a game Dembele missed after being dropped.

Luis Enrique defended his decision to drop Ousmane Dembele for the Arsenal match, citing concerns about Dembele's performance in a prior league match. “The best thing I did was not play him in London, for which I was strongly criticised,” Enrique said.

He added, “It is the best decision I have made this year. The rest is all down to him, but what happened in London was very important,” suggesting Dembele's absence allowed him to regroup and refocus.

⏱️ 4' - Paris opens the scoring after 4 minutes of play! 👏⚽️#ARSPSG (0-1) | #UCL pic.twitter.com/gt9IoxlmB2

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) April 29, 2025

Ousmane Dembele's transformation wasn't immediate; he was sent off in PSG's 1-0 loss to Bayern Munich in late November. However, upon returning from suspension, he began scoring prolifically.

PSG's attack isn't solely reliant on Dembele, with Bradley Barcola, Desire Doue, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia also in form. The team aims to avenge their October loss to Arsenal and reach the final, seeking redemption after last year's semifinal defeat to Borussia Dortmund.

A Champions League win would be a significant boost for Ousmane Dembele's individual accolades, particularly the Ballon d'Or. Having lost in the semifinals with Barcelona in 2019, Dembele would be a strong contender for the award if PSG succeeds this year.