PSG crushes Rennes 4-1 in Ligue 1 : Dembélé’s double leads Paris to dominant away victory

In a thrilling Ligue 1 encounter, Paris Saint-Germain showcased their dominance with a resounding 4-1 victory over Stade Rennais at Roazhon Park. The match, played on March 8, 2025, saw PSG extend their unbeaten run in the league, further solidifying their position at the top of the table. Ousmane Dembélé, the standout performer of the day, netted a brace to lead his team to a convincing win.

In Short

Dembélé’s double seals the deal for PSG

Ousmane Dembélé, who has been in scintillating form throughout the 2024-2025 season, once again proved his worth to the Parisian outfit. The French international, who joined PSG in 2023, has been a revelation this campaign, and his performance against Rennes was no exception. Dembélé’s first goal came in the 90th minute, effectively putting the game beyond Rennes’ reach. The winger showcased his clinical finishing by curling a sublime shot past Brice Samba, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.

Just moments later, Dembélé struck again in stoppage time, capitalizing on a well-timed pass from Achraf Hakimi. The former Borussia Dortmund star found himself unmarked in the box and calmly slotted home his second of the night. This brace took Dembélé’s tally to an impressive 20 goals for the season, further cementing his status as one of Europe’s most prolific attackers. Interestingly, Dembélé chose not to celebrate his goals out of respect for his former club, having started his professional career at Rennes.

The match also saw Bradley Barcola open the scoring for PSG in the 28th minute, while Gonçalo Ramos added another in the 50th minute. Lilian Brassier managed to pull one back for Rennes, but it proved to be merely a consolation as PSG’s firepower proved too much for the hosts to handle.

PSG’s tactical masterclass and squad depth on display

Luis Enrique’s tactical acumen was evident throughout the match, as PSG controlled proceedings with their possession-based style of play. The Spanish coach’s decision to rotate his squad paid dividends, with several players stepping up to make significant contributions. Warren Zaïre-Emery, the 19-year-old midfield prodigy, captained the side and put in a commanding performance, showcasing maturity beyond his years.

The depth of PSG’s squad was further highlighted by the impact of their substitutes. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who came on in the 63rd minute, immediately made his presence felt with his direct running and creativity. The Georgian international’s introduction, along with that of Ousmane Dembélé, Nuno Mendes, and Vitinha, injected fresh energy into the team and ultimately proved decisive in securing the victory.

Lucas Hernandez, speaking after the match, emphasized the importance of maintaining their winning momentum ahead of their crucial Champions League clash against Liverpool. The French defender stated, “It was important to continue our winning streak before the Liverpool match. Everyone feels good, the team is functioning perfectly, and we’re all ready for Tuesday.”

Rennes’ resilience and future prospects under Habib Beye

Despite the heavy defeat, Stade Rennais showed moments of promise throughout the match. The appointment of Habib Beye as manager earlier in the season has brought about a positive change in the team’s fortunes. Prior to this encounter, Rennes had won four of their last five matches, climbing to 11th place in the Ligue 1 standings.

Lilian Brassier, who scored Rennes’ lone goal, expressed pride in the team’s performance despite the result. “We can be proud of ourselves. Their substitutions brought difficulties, but we worked hard and caused them problems. I’m proud of the team today; we tried to show what we always work on,” Brassier stated in his post-match interview.

The match also saw a return to Roazhon Park for Désiré Doué, who came through the Rennes academy before joining PSG. The young midfielder expressed his gratitude to the Rennes supporters for their warm reception, highlighting the strong connection he still feels with his former club.

As Rennes look to build on their recent improvements under Beye’s guidance, matches against top opposition like PSG will serve as valuable learning experiences for the squad. The team’s ability to create chances against one of Europe’s strongest defenses bodes well for their future prospects in Ligue 1.

Looking ahead: PSG’s domestic dominance and European aspirations

With this victory, Paris Saint-Germain extended their lead at the top of Ligue 1 to 13 points over second-placed Marseille. The capital club’s dominance in French football shows no signs of abating, as they continue their quest to finish the domestic season unbeaten. This remarkable run of form has seen PSG establish themselves as the team to beat in France, with their blend of world-class talent and tactical sophistication proving too much for their domestic rivals.

However, the true test of PSG’s mettle lies in their European campaign. The upcoming second leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie against Liverpool at Anfield presents a significant challenge for Luis Enrique’s men. The Spanish coach remains confident in his team’s abilities, stating, “Throughout the season, the team has been very competitive. We go onto the pitch to win; it’s a solid team with a lot of character and temperament.”

As PSG continue to dominate domestically, the focus inevitably shifts to their European ambitions. The club’s owners have long dreamed of Champions League glory, and with the current squad firing on all cylinders, this could be the year they finally break through on the continent. The comprehensive victory over Rennes serves as a perfect confidence booster ahead of their crucial European fixture, demonstrating that PSG have the quality and depth to compete on multiple fronts.