RENNES, FRANCE — Brice Samba produced a goalkeeping masterclass as Rennes pulled off a remarkable 3-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain at Roazhon Park, defying the visitors' overwhelming statistical dominance to claim three precious points. Mousa Tamari's 34th-minute thunderbolt set the tone before Estéban Lepaul and Breel Embolo struck in the final stages, with Ousmane Dembélé's 71st-minute header proving mere consolation for the shell-shocked Parisians.
The opening exchanges saw PSG assert their authority, controlling possession and probing for openings. Désiré Doué tested Samba as early as the 12th minute, his right-footed effort from distance comfortably gathered by the Rennes custodian. The home side absorbed the pressure with disciplined defending, their compact shape frustrating PSG's array of attacking talent. Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes pushed high from full-back, while Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Dembélé looked to exploit spaces in the channels.
Against the run of play, Rennes seized the lead in spectacular fashion. Tamari collected possession 25 yards from goal and unleashed a venomous left-footed strike that arrowed into the bottom left corner, leaving Matvey Safonov rooted to the spot. The Roazhon Park faithful erupted as their side took a shock advantage despite PSG's territorial dominance. The goal encapsulated Rennes' clinical approach, making their limited opportunities count while PSG dominated the ball with 67.4% possession.
The visitors responded with increased urgency, peppering Samba's goal with attempts. The Rennes goalkeeper stood firm, producing save after save to preserve his side's slender advantage. Warren Zaïre-Emery and Vitinha orchestrated play from midfield, but the final ball consistently eluded PSG's forwards. João Neves battled tirelessly in the engine room, yet Rennes' defensive organization, marshaled by Lilian Brassier and Anthony Rouault, held firm through the first half.
After the interval, PSG's desperation grew palpable. They registered 22 shots to Rennes' 13, with seven on target, but Samba proved equal to everything thrown at him. Sebastian Szymanski and Arnaud Nordin worked tirelessly for the hosts, tracking back to support their defenders and launching occasional counter-attacks. Valentin Rongier and Mahdi Camara provided steel in midfield, disrupting PSG's rhythm with well-timed challenges.
The turning point arrived in the 69th minute when Rennes doubled their advantage. Szymanski delivered a wicked cross from a corner, and Lepaul rose highest to power a header into the top left corner. The stadium exploded with noise as the home side moved within touching distance of a famous victory. PSG's frustration was evident as their attacking stars struggled to break down Rennes' resolute rearguard.
Dembélé offered PSG a lifeline just two minutes later, nodding home from close range to halve the deficit. The goal sparked renewed belief among the visitors, who threw bodies forward in search of an equalizer. Gonçalo Ramos, introduced as a substitute, immediately made an impact, forcing two excellent saves from Samba in the 77th minute. The Rennes goalkeeper denied the Portuguese striker twice in quick succession, first palming away a right-footed effort before blocking the follow-up with his body.
The statistics painted a picture of PSG dominance that the scoreline contradicted. The visitors enjoyed more than two-thirds of possession and created significantly more chances, yet Rennes' efficiency in front of goal and Samba's heroics between the posts proved decisive. PSG's eight corners yielded nothing, while Rennes made their five set-pieces count. The match remained remarkably disciplined, with neither side receiving a booking despite 19 combined fouls.
As PSG committed men forward in desperation, Rennes delivered the knockout blow in the 81st minute. Ludovic Blas, who had entered as a substitute, led a devastating counter-attack and squared for Embolo to tap home from point-blank range. The Swiss striker's finish sealed a memorable triumph for the hosts, who had weathered a relentless storm to claim all three points.
The closing stages saw PSG throw everything forward in a futile attempt to salvage something from the wreckage. Barcola forced another save from Samba in the 90th minute, while Lee Kang-In's effort in stoppage time was comfortably gathered. Rennes defended their box with bodies on the line, blocking shots and throwing themselves in front of every attempt. The final whistle sparked jubilant celebrations among the home supporters, who had witnessed their side overcome one of Europe's elite clubs.
This result caps a fine run for Rennes before facing AJ Auxerre on February 22, while PSG must regroup quickly with Lens awaiting on February 21.