Ousmane Dembele scores twice as Paris Saint-Germain begin Champions League title defence

Ousmane Dembele struck twice for Paris Saint-Germain against SK Slovan Bratislava, helping the holders make a fast start to their UEFA Champions League title defence and moving him ahead of David Trezeguet in the competition’s list of French goalscorers.

Dembele opened the scoring in the 16th minute at Parc des Princes after Nuno Mendes’ effort came back off the post. The France international reacted quickest to turn the rebound into the net and give Paris Saint-Germain an early advantage on their first night of this season’s Champions League campaign.

He was on target again seven minutes later, adding a second goal for himself and his side in the 23rd minute. The double took Dembele’s total in the competition to 30 goals, one more than former Juventus and France striker David Trezeguet, who had scored 29.

The achievement underlined Dembele’s exceptional season with Paris Saint-Germain and reinforced the sense among supporters that the club’s spirit on Champions League nights had returned at the earliest opportunity. Their first goal of the title defence was scored by the player widely regarded as the team’s leading star.

A video of Dembele’s opener was shared with the caption: “Dembele opens the scoring for Paris Saint-Germain against Slovan Bratislava”, alongside the Arabic hashtag for the UEFA Champions League.

According to the goalscoring list published with the report, Karim Benzema remains the leading French scorer in Champions League history with 90 goals. Kylian Mbappe is second on 71, followed by Thierry Henry on 50 and Antoine Griezmann on 44.

Dembele is listed next with 30 goals, while Trezeguet is credited with 29. The report described Dembele’s total as moving him into sixth place, although the accompanying figures show him ahead of Trezeguet and place him fifth among the listed French scorers.

Dembele now needs one more goal to establish a clear lead over Trezeguet and strengthen his position in the rankings. His next target will be the leading names above him, including Benzema and Mbappe, as he continues his pursuit of the most prolific French players in the history of the competition.

The start also offered Paris Saint-Germain an encouraging opening to their attempt to retain the European crown. Dembele’s two goals ensured the champions’ campaign began with the spotlight firmly on their principal attacking figure.

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