Dembele hat-trick sends PSG into play-offs

Michael Emons
BBC Sport journalist

Ousmane Dembele's hat-trick helped Paris St-Germain into the Champions League play-offs as they defeated Stuttgart, a result that eliminated the Germans.

PSG, runners-up in 2020 and semi-finalists last season, would have been in danger of being knocked out themselves if they had lost this match.

But Luis Enrique's side only needed six minutes before they took control.

Stuttgart captain Atakan Karazor needlessly conceded a corner and it was flicked on by Desire Doue with Bradley Barcola bravely heading into the net.

Chris Fuhrich had an effort superbly saved by PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, with the French side immediately counter-attacking before Barcola's cross was finished by Dembele.

It was originally ruled out for offside, but, following a check from the video assistant referee, the goal was given for PSG to move 2-0 ahead.

It became three after 35 minutes when Dembele grabbed his second goal of the night, blasting into the top corner from the right side of the penalty area.

Dembele completed his hat-trick in the 54th minute with another fine finish after being set up by Achraf Hakimi.

The hosts got one back through Willian Pacho's own goal, steering Maximilian Mittelstadt's cross past Donnarumma, but it was not enough for Stuttgart.

They began the day 24th in the table, but this result saw them finish 26th, one point adrift of the top 24, to end their European involvement for this season.

PSG will play a fellow Ligue 1 side, either Monaco or Brest, in February's two-legged play-offs and will find out their opponents when the draw is made in Nyon, Switzerland at 11:00 GMT on Friday.

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