PSG’s Resilient Triumph at Rennes
PARIS (AP) — Ousmane Dembélé’s stellar performance off the bench was the highlight of Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) 4-1 victory at Rennes on Saturday. Dembélé’s two late goals secured a crucial win, allowing PSG to maintain their unbeaten status in Ligue 1 and extend their lead to 16 points over second-placed Marseille. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with PSG controlling the first half but struggling in the second before Dembélé’s heroics.
Barcelona to the Rescue
Bradley Barcola played a pivotal role in PSG’s victory, scoring in the 28th minute with a well-placed shot through goalkeeper Brice Samba’s legs. He then assisted Gonçalo Ramos in the 50th minute, doubling PSG’s lead. Despite Rennes’ valiant efforts and a goal from Lilian Brassier in the 53rd minute, PSG managed to withstand the pressure. The young Mohamed Meïté, who nearly brought Rennes level with a header that hit the crossbar, had a golden opportunity to equalize in the 67th minute but hesitated and his shot was blocked.
Dembélé’s Double Double
Dembélé, who had been substituted in the second half, came on to score a brace in the 95th minute, showcasing his clinical finishing and bringing his season tally to 20 league goals. His performance was a testament to his ability to make an impact when called upon. PSG’s coach, Luis Enrique, had wisely rested key players like Marquinhos, Achraf Hakimi, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Gianluigi Donnarumma, likely preparing them for the crucial Champions League match against Liverpool on Tuesday.
Marseille’s Slip-Up
In contrast to PSG’s triumphant evening, Marseille suffered a late defeat to Lens, losing 1-0 in a tightly contested match. Despite Mason Greenwood, who is second in the scoring charts with 15 goals, being named as a substitute, both he and Luis Henrique failed to capitalize on their opportunities. Lens goalkeeper Mathew Ryan made two spectacular saves in the 83rd minute, denying Luis Henrique and Neal Maupay. The match’s decisive moment came in the fourth minute of stoppage time when Lens launched a counterattack, and Neil El Aynaoui sealed the win for Lens, moving them up to eighth place.
Lille’s Persistence
In another notable match, Lille secured a hard-fought 1-0 win against bottom-of-the-table Montpellier. Jonathan David, the Canada striker, scored his 14th league goal of the season, consolidating his position as third in the Ligue 1 scoring charts. The victory brought Lille level on 44 points with Monaco, intensifying the competition for one of the four Champions League spots. David’s goal was a testament to his consistency and the team’s determination, despite facing a struggling opponent.
Women’s Day Initiative
All players in Saturday’s games had "WO=MAN" written on the back of their jerseys instead of their names, as part of the French league’s initiative to celebrate International Women’s Day. This symbolic gesture highlighted the league’s commitment to gender equality and recognized the contributions and achievements of women in football. The initiative added a poignant touch to the day’s matches, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and equality in sports.
