Maligned goalkeeper 'completely botches' routine clearance
Updated . First published at
Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has often been criticised for his erratic passing out from the back since joining Paris Saint-Germain.
He almost proved his doubters exactly right early into the game against Brest in their Champions League playoff match on Wednesday (AEDT) by completely botching a routine clearance.
The Italy No.1 was under no pressure when he received a pass back from captain Marquinhos.
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Gianluigi Donnarumma of Paris Saint-Germain looks on while holding onto the ball. UEFA via Getty Images
But Donnarumma somehow kicked the ball straight at the head of striker Ludovic Ajorque a few metres away and then looked on anxiously as the ball rolled narrowly wide of the goal.
Donnarumma’s blunders cost PSG when it lost 2-0 at Arsenal early into the group stage.
He got away with it this time as PSG took the lead with a Vitinha penalty a few minutes later.
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Gianluigi Donnarumma of Paris Saint-Germain passes the ball. UEFA via Getty Images
Ousmane Dembele then scored twice to continue a career best season that has seen him silence critics who pointed to his wasteful finishing over the years.
He made it 23 so far this campaign with two goals in PSG's 3-0 victory - already nine more goals than his previous best tally of 14 with Barcelona in 2018-19.
"The team is in a good dynamic. Everyone is focused and playing really well and that helps me to score goals if I am in the right positions," Dembele said.
Ousmane Dembele of Paris Saint-Germain celebrates scoring his team's third goal. UEFA via Getty Images
"The players, whether it's Bradley Barcola, Desire Doue or Kvara (Khvicha Kvaratskhelia), give me great service."
Although Dembele played down his own importance, he has scored in 10 straight games for PSG and is clearly now the team's leading player since Kylian Mbappe's offseason departure to Real Madrid.
"We are delighted that he is playing like this," Vitinha said.
"We hope he continues as long as possible. It is a very big help for the team."
Dembele's first goal came in the 45th minute.
Running onto a pass from Achraf Hakimi, Dembele sprinted down the right wing and, with the defense backing off, curled a shot inside the near post.
Earlier, it was his shot which led to PSG's opening goal in the 21st minute, which came after midfielder Pierre Lees-Melou handled Dembele's shot and Vitinha scored from the ensuing penalty.
The 27-year-old Dembele showed a poacher's instinct for his second goal midway through the second half, latching onto a loose ball and bursting into the penalty area before clipping a shot into the left corner.
The France international has two hat tricks this season, including one against Brest in a 5-2 win when the sides met in the French league recently.
He has netted six goals in the Champions League, four with his right foot and two with his left.
PSG coach Luis Enrique said he is imposing no limits on how good Dembele can become as a scorer.
"Those of us who know Ousmane and see him train, right now we see he is full of confidence. 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," Enrique said.
