PSG Secures a Confidence-Boosting Victory in Brittany
Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) found their way back to winning form with a decisive 4-1 victory over Rennes, a match sandwiched between their Champions League Round of 16 legs against Liverpool. PSG’s head coach Luis Enrique opted for a heavy rotation, benching key players like Gianluigi Donnarumma, Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes, Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The decision to rest these players came as a strategic move to conserve energy for the crucial return leg at Anfield. Despite the changes, PSG’s dominance was evident, particularly through the performances of João Neves and Désiré Doué, who orchestrated the team’s attack and defense.
A Youthful Start Leads to Early Success
The match began with PSG immediately asserting their presence, pressing high and probing Rennes’ defensive line. The rotated squad, though filled with less familiar faces, showed no signs of rust. João Neves, the midfield maestro, was pivotal from the outset, dictating the pace and direction of the game. Early in the first half, Gonçalo Ramos missed a clear opportunity, failing to apply sufficient power to his shot from close range. However, it was the quick thinking of Neves that turned the tide. He took a free-kick swiftly, catching Rennes off guard, and fed the ball to Désiré Doué, who spotted Bradley Barcola’s darting run. Barcola’s precise finish, slipping the ball through Brice Samba’s legs, gave PSG the lead. This early goal set the tone for the rest of the match, allowing PSG to play with more freedom and confidence.
Rennes’ Brief Resurgence
Rennes, under the guidance of former Liverpool player Habib Beye, tried to respond to PSG’s early pressure. Ludovic Blas came close to leveling the score, but his shot narrowly missed the left post. The home side’s efforts were admirable, but they lacked the clinical finishing needed to breach PSG’s well-organized defense. Mohamed Kader Meïté, the 17-year-old forward, had a promising yet frustrating first start. He came inches away from equalizing, beating Willian Pacho in the air to rattle the crossbar. His lone presence up front alongside Arnaud Kalimuendo made it difficult to capitalize on the few chances Rennes generated. Rennes’ determination was commendable, but it was PSG who maintained the upper hand.
PSG’s Two-Goal Cushion
The second half saw PSG extend their lead, much to the delight of the traveling fans. Just five minutes in, a well-executed team move doubled their advantage. Désiré Doué, playing as a winger, bypassed Rennes’ defense with a perfectly weighted pass. Barcola, who was played onside by Anthony Rouault, delivered a cross that Gonçalo Ramos converted into a goal with a composed finish. This goal further solidified PSG’s position and dampened Rennes’ spirits. Despite Rennes’ attempts to rally, PSG’s defense, led by the experienced Lucas Hernandez and Senny Mayulu, held firm, negating any meaningful threat from the home side.
Rennes Strikes Back but Falls Short
Rennes refused to throw in the towel and managed to halve the deficit through a corner kick. Matvei Safonov, PSG’s goalkeeper, parried a shot by Kalimuendo, leading to a corner. Ludovic Blas delivered the ball into the box, and Jérémy Jacquet’s looping backwards header fell kindly to Lilian Brassier, on loan from Marseille. Brassier made no mistake from close range, giving Rennes a glimmer of hope. However, this momentum was short-lived, and the team lacked the ruthlessness needed to level the score. Their efforts in the final third were spirited but ultimately ineffective, a stark contrast to PSG’s clinical finishing.
Dembélé’s Double Sends PSG into the Champions League with Confidence
The final nail in Rennes’ coffin came during injury time when substitute Ousmane Dembélé scored a quickfire double. Dembélé, who had initially wasted a golden opportunity to restore PSG’s two-goal lead, redeemed himself magnificently. His first goal was a masterclass of composure, and the second came shortly after, ensuring PSG’s comfortable victory. These late goals not only secured the win but also provided a much-needed confidence boost for the team ahead of their Champions League encounter with Liverpool. Dembélé’s performance was a testament to the depth and quality of PSG’s squad, even in a rotated lineup.
Player Ratings: A Closer Look
Rennes Player Ratings:
- Brice Samba – 4: Despite his best efforts, he could not keep out PSG’s well-taken goals.
- Jérémy Jacquet – 5: Played his part in the defensive line but was ultimately overwhelmed.
- Anthony Rouault – 3: Struggled to contain the pace and skill of Barcola, affecting his overall contribution.
- Lilian Brassier – 5: Found himself in the right place at the right time to score the only goal for Rennes.
- Lorenz Assignon – 4: Had a quiet game, unable to make a significant impact.
- Jordan James – 4: Worked hard but lacked the composure to convert chances.
- Ismaël Koné – 4: Faced a tough battle in the midfield but could not disrupt PSG’s flow.
- Ludovic Blas – 5: Showed flashes of brilliance but his critical shot missed by a whisker.
- Adrien Truffert – 4: Found it difficult to break through PSG’s defense.
- Mohamed Kader Meïté – 4: Had a promising start but failed to capitalize on his opportunities.
- Arnaud Kalimuendo – 4: Played a part in the team’s efforts but was overshadowed by PSG’s dominance.
PSG Player Ratings:
- Matvei Safonov – 5: Made a few crucial saves but was generally untested.
- Warren Zaïre-Emery – 4: Led by example on his 19th birthday, showing maturity beyond his years.
- Lucas Beraldo – 3: Struggled to keep pace with Rennes’ forwards, indicating the need for more experienced players.
- Willian Pacho – 4: Solid but not spectacular, holding the defense together.
- Lucas Hernandez – 5: Provided both defensive stability and attacking presence.
- Senny Mayulu – 5: Played a crucial role in PSG’s defensive organization.
- João Neves – 6: Controlled the midfield and initiated key plays.
- Lee Kang-in – 4: Worked diligently but lacked the impact of his teammates.
- Désiré Doué – 7: Stellar performance, instrumental in PSG’s first two goals.
- Gonçalo Ramos – 5: Scored a crucial goal but missed an early chance.
- Bradley Barcola – 6: Provided a decisive assist and showed great promise.
In summary, PSG’s performance, despite the heavy rotation, demonstrated their depth and resilience. The victory over Rennes not only keeps them atop the Ligue 1 standings but also sends them into the Champions League return leg with renewed confidence. Rennes, on the other hand, can take pride in their fight and the goal scored by Brassier, but the result highlights the gap between the two teams in terms of clinical finishing and overall quality.
