Dembele stuns Lille with sublime lob as PSG go top of Ligue 1
Ousmane Dembele delivered a moment of pure brilliance to headline Paris Saint-Germain’s 3-0 win over Lille on Friday night, scoring a spectacular lob that has immediately entered the conversation for the Puskas Award and lifting PSG to the top of Ligue 1.
The Ballon d’Or winner had already put the hosts ahead in the first half before doubling the advantage just after the hour mark, capping a dominant display as Luis Enrique’s side leapfrogged title rivals Lens following their midweek cup disappointment.
PSG were eager to respond after a surprise Coupe de France exit to Paris FC, and Dembele set the tone early. The forward broke the deadlock after 13 minutes with a precise right-footed strike from outside the area, finding the bottom corner and settling the nerves inside the Parc des Princes.
The result was significant in the context of the title race. PSG moved two points clear at the summit, while Lille, who arrived in fourth place, were left struggling to contain a Paris side determined to reassert control domestically. With Lens still to play, the pressure now shifts back to their closest challengers.
The atmosphere reflected that urgency, with PSG pushing high from the opening exchanges and committing numbers forward. Dembele, operating with freedom across the front line, was central to nearly every dangerous move, combining neatly with midfield runners and stretching Lille’s defensive shape.
Lille did have brief moments of resistance, escaping PSG’s press on occasion and testing the hosts’ defensive discipline. However, clear chances were limited, and Paris gradually tightened their grip, particularly after adjusting their pressing structure in the second half.
The defining moment arrived shortly after the restart. Collecting possession inside the penalty area following a flowing PSG move, Dembele showed remarkable composure. He sidestepped two defenders, delayed his shot as pressure arrived from behind, then calmly lifted the ball over an advancing Berke Ozer, the finish drawing gasps before the stadium erupted.
PSG continued to threaten after the second goal, controlling possession and tempo. Dembele was withdrawn to a standing ovation in the 76th minute, his work done, before substitute Bradley Barcola added a late third to seal the result and underline Paris’ superiority.
The closing stages were played with one eye on what comes next. PSG return to Champions League action away at Sporting CP, knowing the momentum from this performance could prove decisive in Europe as well as in the domestic title race, while Dembele’s stunning finish may well resonate far beyond Ligue 1 in the months ahead.