Paris Saint-Germain faced a heavy setback as their smooth domestic run was interrupted by a discouraging home defeat. The result against Rennes left PSG facing renewed doubts about their project and direction as the season presses on.
Rennes struck first, catching PSG off guard at the Parc des Princes and signaling that the visit would not be smooth sailing for the capital club. In the end, Rennes claimed all three points, complicating PSG’s title bid and prompting questions about how the squad will regroup after this setback.
The PSG attack showed flashes of quality yet struggled to convert pressure into goals. A disallowed strike from Kylian Mbappé punctuated a moment of frustration for PSG, while Lionel Messi created several moments for quick combinations and late bursts. Still, the day belonged to Rennes, who surged ahead with a determined performance that unsettled the home side and stirred loud reactions among the crowd just before the interval when Ekambi opened the scoring, giving Rennes a 1-0 lead at the break.
In the second half, Rennes extended its advantage to 0-2 through sustained pressure and clinical finishing. PSG pushed forward with urgency, producing chances through Messi and other attackers, but they could not find the decisive strike to turn the momentum. Ekambi looked capable of adding a third on more than one occasion, while PSG’s defense endured several close calls as Rennes pressed for a third goal to seal the result.
The match remained open as PSG sought an equalizer, yet the best opportunities fell to Rennes and the visitors controlled large portions of the game. In the end, Rennes held firm and left Paris with a valuable victory that injected fresh doubts into PSG’s broader campaign.
PSG does not appear to be in immediate danger of surrendering the league title, but performances like this raise concerns about the trajectory of their project and the consistency required to sustain a sustained domestic push.
MINUTE BY MINUTE OF PSG AGAINST RENNES
VIDEOS AND NEWS FROM PSG AGAINST RENNES
Minute 84. A superb save from Mandanda keeps PSG at bay while the clock dwindles. Paris struggled to find a breakthrough today.
Minute 72. A sharp strike from Messi is met by a strong stop from Mandanda, denying a key moment for PSG.
Minute 68. Ekambi comes close to a third for Rennes as his right hand slips past the post, keeping PSG’s comeback hopes alive in the final stretch.
Minute 55. PSG’s evening takes a downturn as Rennes continues to capitalize on chances and pressure the defense.
Minute 48. Rennes scores through Kalimuendo after a cross from Ekambi, extending the lead and dampening PSG’s mood.
Rest in Paris. Rennes wins 0-1.
Minute 44. Ekambi doubles Rennes’ advantage with a fine strike, surprising the crowd at Parc des Princes.
Minute 40. A promising run by Messi ends with Mbappé’s shot being saved by Mandanda yet again.
Minute 33. Messi’s effort tests the goalkeeper, but the shot goes narrowly wide.
Minute 25. A dangerous ball from Messi to Mbappé nearly yields a breakthrough before Mandanda intervenes to stop the danger.
Minute 24. A dangerous cross from Bal leads to a sharp effort by Mbappé, but the shot is blocked.
Minute 23. Mbappé appears to have found the net but the effort is ruled offside, denying PSG a potential lifeline on the scoreboard.
Minute 16. Verratti’s cross tests Danilo, who fails to reach in time, leaving PSG vulnerable to Rennes’ counters.
Minute 12. PSG spaces open and Rennes takes advantage, with Ekambi testing the defense on a quick break.
Minute 4. Rennes’ Truffert is forced off after an injury, with Meling coming on as a substitute to stabilize the defense. The match has begun at the Parc des Princes.
Rennes lines up to face PSG
PSG’s starting XI against Rennes
SUMMARY OF PSG AGAINST RENNES LEAGUE 1
ALL FIGURES AND STATISTICS OF THE PSG AGAINST RENNES LEAGUE 1
Source: Goal