PSG extends their unbeaten streak with a commanding 3-1 victory over Rennes. Discover the highlights and key moments from this thrilling match.
Introduction:
PSG maintained their lead in the table, shocking in every sense of the word Stade Rennais 3-1 at Parc des Princes ahead of the most highly anticipated display thus far in this Liga 1 series of matches-perhaps all season-for the visitors. They are going to Arsenal in North London, in the UEFA Champions League. Bradley Barcola was on fire for the visitors: he bagged two goals while helping create another and in so doing, helped PSG continue to get things done both home and away.
Early Blip but Domination Kings
Luis Enrique’s team got the match underway with a nervy moment early on as Marquinhos’s head saw the ball into the back of the net, only to have it ruled out for being offside. That was the real upset; PSG went on from there to dominate possession. They shouldered enough opportunities to have at least scored once. Ousmane Dembélé and Achraf Hakimi were two who came closest. However, it took until the 30th minute when Barcola would score into the net with a perfect gem to beat Steve Mandanda with the curl and to award PSG the first lead in the match.
See also: PSG Triumphs Over Nice 2-1 in an Exhilarating Match
Barcola and Lee Kang-In Combine to Double the Lead
Rennes tried to respond, but PSG’s defenders managed to reinforce the backwall with solidifying help. Early in the second half, Barcola still was tormenting the Rennes rearguard. Finally, and after hitting the crossbar with a strong shot, Lee Kang-In caught the rebound to double PSG’s lead. Now, it was the South Korean international that was rewarded for his inventive playmaking with the French youngster, being a fine example of the attacking resources at PSG disposal.
A Late Resurgence from Rennes
PSG scored their third in the 70th minute, as Barcola once again proved inspirational. He unlocked a quick attack down the left wing to then slot home a low Hakimi cross. Having seemingly wrapped up the game at 3-0, Rennes somehow conjured a consolation goal when Beraldo was deemed to have handled inside the box. Former PSG youth player Arnaud Kalimuendo scored from the resulting penalty in the 85th minute.
A Late Scare for Les Parisiens
Rennes were back on the attack and thought they’d leveled with Alidu Seidu putting the ball into the net. But that was ruled out for handball as the build-up to the shot, as PSG strolled to an easy win. Igor Safanov proved to be critical in added time as he made some crucial saves to shut Rennes off altogether. This win maintained PSG at the top and was just the kind of thing needed in advance of the make-or-break Champions League match.
Focus Shifts to Arsenal Showdown
PSG will now strive to make it back to back wins following their win over Rennes as they meet Arsenal in the Champions League. The outcome against the Premier League side would test Luis Enrique’s men as the French club has aspirations of being on top of the table in Europe. Parisians would look for Barcola to repeat his brilliant form and make the team victorious in this crucial game.
The win over Rennes certainly restored the lead of PSG at the top of Ligue 1 but, at the same time also ensured that the team had confidence as they were to go ahead and face their challenge in the continent.
Now, it will be interesting to see if they can maintain the performance up to this stage and emerge victorious against Arsenal in a possibly thrilling match.
Conclusion
PSG emerged victorious against Rennes, and it was a testament to PSG’s attacking depth and resilience. Bradley Barcola did superbly well with the young lad going on to play the pivotal role in securing the three points for the side. Though Rennes rallied at the dying stages, the quality and control on show told PSG’s tale of three deserved points ahead of their Champions League face-off with Arsenal later this week.