Ligue 1 McDonald’s, Matchday 1, 22/08/2026

PSG got their Ligue 1 season underway with a hard-fought away draw against Rennes. The clinical Bretons raced to a two-goal lead that Ferran Torres wiped out with a second-half brace.

The Match 

PSG travelled to Rennes to kick off their Ligue 1 title defense. It was expected to be the other way around, but the sorry state of Parc des Princes’ pitch made it impossible to hold tonight’s game in Paris. Luis Enrique’s men established an early foothold, circulating the ball with ease and forcing Rennes into mistakes with a relentless pressing.

But the hosts had tricks of their own up their sleeves. Estéban Lepaul aptly deflected Valentin Rongier’s clearance towards Adrien Thomasson to initiate a counter-attack. Ligue 1’s best provider of assists last season opened up his account in finding Sébastian Szymanski outside the penalty box. The Pole’s left-footer struck the inside of Matvey Safonov’s right-post before fizzing home.

Rennes’ early lead did not change their opponents’ approach. The back-to-back UEFA Champions League winners continued to probe Rennes’ low block for cracks. For his competitive debut for Les Rouge et Noir, English centre-back Charlie Cresswell proved imperious in clearing many dangerous PSG forays into the box.

When PSG finally thwarted Rennes’ defense, with Achraf Hakimi going past Abdelhamid Aït-Boudlal, Ousmane Dembélé spurned a glorious opportunity to restore parity. This moment proved the first half’s turning point. Seconds later, Musa Al-Tamari and Przemysław Frankowski combined on PSG’s left flank. The Pole’s cross found Lepaul, who was never going to miss this close to goal.

Luis Enrique made some big calls with Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia hooked at half-time. Ferran Torres and Mika Godts entered the fray, but it didn’t make any difference at first, forcing the Spanish head coach to call upon three further subs in Maghnes Akliouche, Lucas Beraldo and Fabian Ruiz. The Spanish midfielder eventually engineered PSG’s first goal, with an impeccable diagonal directed at Torres. The latter opened his PSG account from close range.

Rennes huffed and puffed, as if their efforts took their toll at the worst possible moment, despite the introduction of fresh legs. PSG carried on their efforts, and Ruiz turned provider again for Torres. This time, the midfielder delivered a perfect cross for Torres to leap in the gap left by Aït-Boudlal and Quentin Merlin. The former Barcelona striker headed home the equaliser.

Rennes could have gone ahead in the dying minutes, had Willian Pacho not saved Ludovic Blas’ goalward header. In the end, despite all of Rennes’ efforts, it would have been harsh on PSG to leave Brittany empty-handed. Another tough away Ligue 1 game awaits PSG with a trip to Lille on Friday.

PSG player ratings

Matvey Safonov – 4

Lucas Hernandez – 3

The France international showed why he’s probably the club’s third-choice left-back now. Shaky, poor in possession, ineffective in going forward. He also left Lepaul with acres of space for Rennes’ second goal. Nuno Mendes’ absence has been felt.

Willian Pacho – 5

Marquinhos – 4

Achraf Hakimi – 5

João Neves – 4

Vitinha – 5

Warren Zaïre-Emery – 4

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – 4

The Georgian winger pretty much made no difference on his preferred left side. He has not completed a single dribble or a shot. His second offside offense of the first half led to Lepaul’s goal. Replaced at half-time by Mika Godts (5).

Ousmane Dembélé – 3

The Ballon d’Or winner wasted a glorious chance to restore parity just before Rennes doubled their lead. His teammates looked to have struggled to find him. Hooked at half-time and replaced by Ferran Torres (8). The Spaniard’s classy double hands PSG a point away from home.

Désiré Doué – 4

Selected Rennes player ratings 

Charlie Cresswell – 7

The English centre-back was tasked with dealing with the most formidable attacking force in Europe, and he passed the PSG test with flying colours. Dominant in the air, excellent in his positioning, the Rennes defender has impressed for his competitive debut.

Musa Al-Tamari – 6

Estéban Lepaul – 6