After suffering a setback against Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain responded emphatically with a resounding 5-0 victory over Rennes at the Parc des Princes. PSG asserted their dominance from the opening whistle, gradually wearing down their opponents before seizing complete control of the match, particularly after Rennes were reduced to ten men.
The Parisian side showcased an offensive masterclass, much to the delight of the home crowd. From the outset, PSG established their authority, although clear-cut chances were initially scarce. Goalkeeper Safonov, filling in for the absent Chevalier, proved his worth with two crucial early saves, denying both Lepaul and Rongier. Following a close call where a Rennes shot struck the post, Kvaratskhelia ignited the stadium with a stunning strike that nestled perfectly into the bottom corner, giving PSG the lead (1-0, 29′).
Just moments later, Barcola displayed his dazzling skills on the right flank, setting up Joao Neves, whose precise cutback found Mayulu. The young striker expertly pivoted and finished, doubling PSG’s advantage (2-0, 38′). PSG headed into halftime with a comfortable lead and a firm grip on the game.
The second half witnessed an even more dominant performance from the Parisians. Mayulu came close to adding another goal, only to be denied by the crossbar. Kvaratskhelia continued to test the Rennes goalkeeper, Samba, while Barcola relentlessly tormented the Rennes defense. Kvaratskhelia capitalized on a defensive lapse, unleashing a powerful shot that soared under the bar, extending PSG’s lead to 3-0 (67′). The situation worsened for Rennes when Jacquet received a red card shortly after, effectively sealing their fate.
Late in the game, substitute Mbaye added his name to the scoresheet with a breathtaking curler that found the top corner (4-0, 88′). In added time, Gonçalo Ramos capped off the dominant display with a well-placed shot from 25 meters out (5-0, 90’+). It was an absolute masterclass from PSG.
This dominant, inspired, and ruthless performance propels PSG back to within one point of Lens in the league standings. Rennes, on the other hand, were completely overwhelmed and struggled to make an impact throughout the match.
Here’s a breakdown of the PSG player ratings:
Safonov – 8: An impeccable performance, highlighted by two crucial saves early in the match. Demonstrated calmness and solidity between the posts.
Pacho – 7: Excellent in his duels, particularly against the threat of Al-Tamari. Displayed clean and controlled defending.
Marquinhos – 7: A solid and dependable performance from the captain, leading by example.
Lucas Hernandez – 6: Reliable and provided useful contributions going forward, although he experienced a few defensive lapses.
Vitinha – 6: While some of his passes were forced, he played an important role in PSG’s ball circulation and midfield control.
Joao Neves – 7: A key figure operating between the lines, providing an assist for Mayulu’s goal and consistently driving forward.
Zaire-Emery – 8: Covered a tremendous amount of ground in midfield, showcasing his tireless work ethic. Remarkable that this was already his 150th match, highlighting his indispensable role in the team.
Kvaratskhelia – 9: A brilliant performance, marked by a well-deserved brace. He was a constant threat with his dribbling skills and pace, proving to be unstoppable for the Rennes defense.
Barcola – 8.5: A true creator, playmaker, and game-changer. Rennes simply couldn’t find an answer to his dynamic play.
Lee – 5.5: Showed plenty of energy but missed a significant scoring opportunity. Overall, a decent but not decisive performance.
Mayulu – 7.5: Scored a goal, made intelligent runs, and posed a constant threat to the Rennes defense. A very promising display from the young striker.
Dembélé – 6: Brought energy to the attack after coming on as a substitute, creating some dangerous moments but lacking the final touch.
Mbaye – 7.5: Scored a stunning goal that nestled perfectly in the top corner and had another significant chance. An impactful cameo appearance.
Gonçalo Ramos – 7: Had a relatively quiet match… until he scored a clinical goal late in the game, showcasing his finishing ability.
