After a record-breaking campaign last term, Paris Saint-Germain appear to be losing their grip in the new season. In a result few had anticipated, the reigning champions were beaten 3–1 away by Stade Rennais — a side that had failed to win any of their previous five matches and currently have no permanent head coach in place.
Rennes dismissed Habib Beye only last week and are operating under interim arrangements. Yet it was the unsettled hosts who demonstrated clarity and conviction, while PSG’s performance — for all its statistical dominance — lacked cutting edge.
The fixture in Ligue 1 had been brought forward by PSG to aid preparations for an upcoming UEFA Champions League play-off. Having won seven consecutive matches in all competitions, Luis Enrique’s men travelled to Rennes in buoyant mood. However, what was intended as a confidence-building exercise ahead of a crucial European tie instead exposed familiar frailties.
On paper, PSG controlled proceedings. They enjoyed 69 per cent possession and registered 17 attempts on goal, seven of which were on target. Rennes, by contrast, produced 13 efforts with four on target. The difference lay not in volume, but in efficiency — and in the outstanding performance of goalkeeper Brice Samba. The French international produced six decisive saves, several of them from close range, frustrating the visitors at key moments.
Rennes took the lead in the 34th minute when Mousa Al-Tamari converted from a swift attack down the right flank. After the interval, Esteban Lepaul doubled the advantage with a powerful header from a corner in the 69th minute. PSG responded almost immediately, as Ousmane Dembele reduced the deficit two minutes later, offering hope of a comeback. But Rennes struck decisively on the counter in the 81st minute, with Breel Embolo sealing the contest and silencing the travelling support.
Match Statistics
| Category | Rennes | PSG |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 31% | 69% |
| Total Shots | 13 | 17 |
| Shots on Target | 4 | 7 |
| Goals | 3 | 1 |
| Key Saves (Goalkeeper) | 6 (Samba) | 1 |
After the match, PSG manager Luis Enrique did not hide his disappointment. “We are frustrated,” he admitted. “We must improve. Results like this slightly damage confidence, and they give opponents belief that they can beat us — which makes everything more complicated.”
Dembele, reflecting on last season’s collective spirit, emphasised the need to restore unity and focus. “Last year, we put the club before ourselves. We must do that again. We are now in the second half of the season,” he remarked.
For PSG, the defeat serves as a timely warning. Dominance in possession and shot count offers little consolation without ruthlessness in front of goal. With decisive European fixtures looming, the Parisian giants must rediscover both their sharpness and their authority — or risk further erosion of their aura.