Ousmane Dembele’s Double Helps PSG Secure a Crucial Win
In a vibrant and tense fixture, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) showcased their dominance by winning 4-1 away at Rennes in Ligue 1 on Saturday. The victory came as a significant boost for the Parisians, who are gearing up for the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Liverpool. Ousmane Dembele emerged as the star of the show, scoring twice in stoppage time to seal the victory for PSG. Bradley Barcola and Goncalo Ramos also contributed to the scoreline, with PSG leading 2-0 before Lilian Brassier pulled one back for Rennes. The win allowed PSG to maintain their unbeaten record domestically, extending their lead at the top to an impressive 16 points.
A Solid Performance Despite Rotations
PSG head coach Luis Enrique made eight changes to his lineup, opting to rest several key players ahead of the crucial Champions League match against Liverpool, scheduled for Tuesday. Despite the extensive rotations, the team delivered a serious and effective performance. Barcola, Joao Neves, and Willian Pacho were the only players to retain their positions from the 1-0 home loss to Liverpool in the first leg. Dembele, who started on the bench, entered the game just after the hour mark and swiftly made his mark with a stunning double to take his league tally to 20 goals for the season. The France forward has now scored 28 times in all competitions, including a remarkable 23 goals in 18 appearances since mid-December.
Rennes’ Short-Lived Rebellion
Rennes, under the leadership of interim coach Habib Beye, had been on a positive run, winning four of their last five matches to climb to mid-table. The transformation since Beye replaced Jorge Sampaoli in late January was evident. However, PSG’s dominance at Roazhon Park was undeniable. The Parisians took the lead in the 27th minute when Desire Doue, another former Rennes player, quickly took a free-kick and released Barcola, who ran through to score his 18th goal of the season. Rennes had a chance to equalize just before the break when Mohamed Kader Meite’s header hit the crossbar. PSG doubled their lead five minutes after half-time when Barcola squared the ball for Ramos, who netted his 13th goal of the season in all competitions. Brassier’s header from a corner brought Rennes back into the game, but PSG’s substitutes, including Dembele, ensured the victory was secured in stoppage time.
Marseille’s Stunning Defeat
Elsewhere, the race for the top spots saw Marseille suffer a significant setback. Playing at home against Lens, Marseille dominated the game but were denied by Lens’s resilient defense and the inspired goalkeeping of Mathew Ryan. The Australian goalkeeper made a string of crucial saves, tipping an Amine Gouiri shot onto the crossbar in the first half and denying both Luis Henrique and Neal Maupay late in the game. Lens, who had lost their last four matches, delivered a sucker punch in the 94th minute when Deiver Machado set up Neil El Aynaoui to score the winning goal. The loss leaves Marseille 16 points behind PSG and in second place, while Lens secured a crucial three points to boost their own standing in the league.
Lille’s Steady Progress
In another crucial match, Lille secured a narrow 1-0 victory at home against Montpellier. The win was crucial for Lille, who are in a tight battle to secure a top-four finish. Canadian forward Jonathan David scored the only goal early in the second half, netting his 14th of the campaign in Ligue 1. The result keeps Lille fifth in the table, just behind Monaco on goal difference. Lille will now focus on their Champions League last-16 tie against Borussia Dortmund, having drawn 1-1 in the first leg in Germany. They will host Dortmund on Wednesday, aiming to secure a place in the quarter-finals.
Looking Ahead to Liverpool
PSG’s convincing win over Rennes not only solidified their position at the top of the Ligue 1 table but also provided a significant morale boost ahead of their Champions League clash with Liverpool. Coach Luis Enrique expressed his confidence, stating, "We are in perfect condition to go and take on Liverpool. We have nothing to lose and we will give everything to try to qualify for the quarter-finals." The Parisians will aim to capitalize on their strong form and home advantage when they face Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday, with the hope of overturning the 1-0 deficit from the first leg. The stage is set for an enthralling encounter that could define PSG’s season.
