PSG avoided the worst at Roazhon Park. Trailing 2-0 to Rennes at half-time, the Parisians managed to fight back to 2-2 thanks to a Ferran Torres brace. It was a game of two very different halves for Luis Enrique’s side, with some new signings proving decisive while several players delivered major disappointments.
The tops. Ferran Torres enjoyed a dream Ligue 1 debut for PSG. Introduced at half-time in place of Ousmane Dembélé, the Spaniard completely changed the game. Sharp with his movement and constantly looking to run in behind, he first pulled one back in the 71st minute before heading home the equaliser in the 83rd. Two chances, two goals: PSG’s number 9 quickly showed his clinical finishing and provided exactly what Paris had lacked in the first half, namely incisive runs and a genuine presence inside the box.
Torres and Fabian Ruiz inspire PSG’s comeback
Fabian Ruiz also made a huge impact after coming on around the hour mark. The Spanish midfielder provided both assists for his compatriot Torres, first releasing him perfectly in behind before delivering the left-footed cross for the equaliser. Two assists in just over 30 minutes brought much more accuracy and verticality to PSG’s game. Willian Pacho also played a decisive role, producing a crucial goal-line clearance in the 86th minute after Ludovic Blas’ diving header had beaten Safonov. Without the defender’s intervention, Paris would probably have left Rennes empty-handed.
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The flops. Ousmane Dembélé struggled to influence the match and wasted a huge opportunity in the 37th minute after good work from Hakimi, sending his effort well over the bar. Too quiet in the final third, he was replaced at half-time by Torres, whose immediate impact made the contrast even more striking. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was also disappointing and played only the first half. The Georgian struggled to beat defenders or create openings against Rennes’ compact block, while his 28th-minute free-kick went straight into the wall. Luis Enrique replaced him with Mika Godts at the interval.
The biggest concern, however, was PSG’s collective performance during the opening 45 minutes. Despite dominating possession, Paris were punished twice in transition, with Szymanski opening the scoring in the ninth minute before Lepaul doubled Rennes’ advantage in the 39th. Rennes deservedly led 2-0 at half-time as PSG struggled to impose their rhythm or create danger. The second-half reaction was encouraging, but Luis Enrique will certainly focus on his team’s major problems controlling transitions and threatening the opposition before the break.
