PSG Bounces Back with a 3-1 Victory Over Rennes: Hakimi Shines
Achraf Hakimi’s Brilliance Propels Paris Saint-Germain to Third Place in Ligue 1
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) found their winning groove again with a convincing 3-1 victory over Rennes. It was a match where Achraf Hakimi played a pivotal role, notching a goal and creating another, catapulting the capital club to the third position in Ligue 1, just two points behind leaders AS Monaco.
After a disappointing goalless draw against Clermont Foot and a humbling 4-1 defeat at the hands of Newcastle United in the UEFA Champions League, PSG was eager to regain their winning form. And they did just that.
The breakthrough came in the 32nd minute, thanks to an incredible run from Ousmane Dembélé. Dembélé carved his way through Rennes’ defense after cutting in from the flank, eluding several challenges before delivering a pinpoint pass to Vitinha. From the edge of the box, Vitinha unleashed a beautifully curled shot into the top corner, giving PSG a deserved lead.
Four minutes later, PSG doubled their advantage, leaving the Roazhon Park crowd in stunned silence. Achraf Hakimi, the PSG right-back, made an incisive run and expertly nodded in a cross from 17-year-old sensation Warren Zaire-Emery, catching Rennes’ defense off guard.
Rennes showed signs of life after halftime, reducing the deficit in the 56th minute. They capitalized on a loose pass, with Amine Gouiri heading home Ludovic Blas’s cross to make it 2-1.
However, PSG had more in store. Manager Luis Enrique introduced Randal Kolo Muani, who made an instant impact, finishing brilliantly from Hakimi’s pass. The quickfire goal left Rennes stunned and their coach, Bruno Genesio, fuming on the bench.
Despite their best efforts, Rennes goalkeeper Steve Mandanda thwarted Kylian Mbappé’s late attempts to add to PSG’s tally. Mbappé had earlier missed the target after rounding the keeper, desperately seeking a goal.
The result leaves Rennes in the eighth spot on the league table, while PSG’s victory catapults them to third place, just two points behind AS Monaco. PSG fans will be relieved to see their team back on track after the midweek setback in the Champions League.
This win signifies a positive turn of events for PSG, and with star players like Lionel Messi, Ousmane Dembélé, Marco Asensio, and Kylian Mbappé in their ranks, they remain a force to be reckoned with in both French football and the UEFA Champions League. As the season unfolds, football enthusiasts can expect more exciting matches, goals, assists, and captivating action from the capital club. Stay tuned for more football news, sports news, match reports, highlights, player ratings, post-match analysis, tactical insights, team news, injury updates, transfer rumors, and club management updates, as well as fan reactions, right here.
By: M Z Hossain, Editor Sky Buzz Feed
