Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) delivered a resounding 5-0 victory against Rennes in Matchday 15 of Ligue 1 2025-2026, held at the Parc des Princes. The home side dominated proceedings, showcasing a commanding performance that yielded a comprehensive win. Here’s a breakdown of individual player performances:
Goalkeeper:
- Matvey Safonov (7): Safonov was arguably the most impressive player on the pitch. His two crucial saves were testament to his ambition and determination. He performed admirably throughout the match, making few errors.
Defenders:
Warren Zaïre-Emery (7.5): Zaïre-Emery stood out as one of PSG’s top performers. He demonstrated attacking capabilities while excelling defensively. He was later replaced by Quentin Ndjantou in the 80th minute.
Marquinhos (6.5): Marquinhos enjoyed a solid game, indicating a return to form. He exerted considerable control and authority at the back.
Willian Pacho (6.5): Pacho’s consistent solidity inspired confidence and effectively neutralized Rennes’ attacking threats.
Lucas Hernandez (5.5): Hernandez had an average outing. While not heavily tested, he displayed commendable effort and aggression.
Midfielders:
Joao Neves (6): While not at his absolute best, Neves contributed positively to the team’s forward momentum, providing an assist. He was substituted by Ibrahim Mbaye in the 80th minute.
Vitinha (5): Vitinha delivered a decent but unspectacular performance. He didn’t shine as brightly as he sometimes does, but executed simple yet effective plays. He was replaced by Fabian Ruiz in the 71st minute.
Senny Mayulu (6): Mayulu faced a challenging match, but his goal boosted his confidence and enabled him to finish strongly.
Forwards:
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (8): Kvaratskhelia finally delivered a high-quality performance, scoring a goal and making several powerful runs. His passionate second goal underscored his ongoing improvement. He was substituted by Gonçalo Ramos in the 71st minute.
Bradley Barcola (5): Barcola’s performance was somewhat frustrating. His exceptional speed held potential for greater impact, but he failed to fully capitalize on his opportunities.
Lee Kang-in (4): Lee Kang-in struggled to make a significant impact. Despite his efforts, he couldn’t influence the game’s outcome effectively. He was replaced by Ousmane Dembélé in the 64th minute.
Coach:
- Luis Enrique (6.5): Enrique’s cautious approach with Dembélé, despite the temptation to deploy him after a defeat, demonstrated sound judgment. His continued faith in Mayulu, who subsequently scored, was also commendable. Enrique’s management remains effective, even amidst criticism based on short-term results. Despite a less dazzling PSG side this season, his performance with a depleted squad is noteworthy.
Here’s a more detailed look at key aspects of the match:
Defensive Stability:
PSG’s defensive line, led by Marquinhos and Pacho, displayed commendable stability. They successfully contained Rennes’ attacking forays, limiting their opportunities to create scoring chances. Safonov’s crucial saves further solidified the team’s defensive resilience.
Midfield Control:
While not at their absolute peak, the PSG midfield managed to maintain a reasonable level of control. Neves’ assist and Mayulu’s goal highlighted their contributions to the team’s attacking efforts. However, there’s room for improvement in terms of consistent dominance and creativity in the midfield.
Attacking Prowess:
Kvaratskhelia’s standout performance spearheaded PSG’s attacking display. His goal and dynamic runs injected pace and threat into the team’s forward play. While Barcola and Lee Kang-in struggled to make a significant impact, the overall attacking effort proved sufficient to secure a comfortable victory.
Substitutions and Tactical Adjustments:
Enrique’s substitutions, including the introduction of Dembélé and Ramos, aimed to inject fresh energy and tactical variations into the team. These changes helped maintain momentum and ensure a strong finish to the match.
Overall Assessment:
PSG’s 5-0 victory over Rennes showcased their dominance and attacking firepower. While some individual performances fell short of expectations, the team’s overall display was convincing. Enrique’s tactical management and the contributions of key players like Safonov, Zaïre-Emery, and Kvaratskhelia were instrumental in securing the win. The team continues to evolve and refine its approach as the season progresses.
