Rennes Stuns PSG, Boosts Lens' Title Hopes in Ligue 1

Alanbatnews -

Rennes delivered a stunning blow to Paris Saint-Germain, defeating the reigning champions 3-1 and simultaneously boosting Lens' aspirations for the Ligue 1 title. The unexpected result unfolded Friday, ending PSG's winning streak and injecting fresh intrigue into the top of the league table.

The victory, secured at Roazhon Park, saw goals from Jordanian midfielder Mousa Al-Tamari, Esteban Lepaul, and Swiss substitute Breel Embolo for Rennes. Ousmane Dembele scored the lone goal for PSG.

Rennes' triumph halts PSG's consecutive league victories at seven. The defeat leaves PSG with 51 points, now vulnerable to being overtaken by Lens, who are just two points behind with a game in hand. Lens will face Paris FC Saturday.

Al-Tamari opened the scoring in the 34th minute, weaving past PSG defender Willian Pacho before slotting the ball past goalkeeper Matvey Safonov. Lepaul then extended Rennes' lead in the 69th minute with a header from a corner kick delivered by Poland's Sebastian Szymanski.

Dembele responded quickly for PSG, scoring with a header of his own following a cross from Achraf Hakimi in the 72nd minute. However, Embolo sealed the victory for Rennes in the 81st minute, redirecting a pass from Ludovic Blas into the net with his chest.

Earlier in the match, Lepaul struck the post in the 6th minute, signaling Rennes' early intent. PSG's response was initially muted, with a shot from Desire Doue comfortably saved by Rennes goalkeeper Brice Samba.

Rennes nearly added a second goal through Quentin Merlin, but Safonov denied him in the 32nd minute. PSG's Joao Neves also came close to equalizing, his shot narrowly missing the left post in the 39th minute.

In the second half, Arnaud Kalimuendo squandered a golden opportunity to extend Rennes' advantage, firing wide of the left post in the 46th minute. Late in the match, Samba produced a crucial save to deny substitute Goncalo Ramos' close-range effort in the 77th minute, preserving Rennes' lead until Embolo's decisive goal.

The win marks Rennes' first victory over PSG since March 2023, ending a run of six matches without a win against the Parisians. Prior to Friday's game, Rennes had suffered five defeats in those six encounters, including a 5-0 thrashing earlier this season.

Prior to this victory, Rennes had endured a difficult spell, suffering four consecutive losses across all competitions and failing to win in their previous five games. The three points gained from this match propel Rennes to fifth place in the league standings with 34 points.