Ligue 1: PSG Extend Lead with 4-1 Win Over Rennes

PSG maintained their title charge with a convincing 4-1 victory over Rennes in Ligue 1, with Barcola and Dembele starring for the champions.

Bradley Barcola was instrumental in Paris Saint-Germain's 4-1 thrashing of Stade Rennais in Ligue 1, scoring a goal and providing an assist to help his team extend their lead at the summit. This convincing victory marked the latest installment in PSG's dominance, as they handed Rennes just their second loss in the last six head-to-head meetings at Roazhon Park.

Luis Enrique made significant changes to the lineup that was held by Liverpool in midweek, with eight new faces introduced. However, Joao Neves retained his place and was immediately involved, forcing a save from the PSG goalkeeper with an early shot. Despite this initial threat, Les Parisiens gradually took control of possession, setting the stage for their eventual dominance.

As the first half progressed, PSG continued to dictate the flow of the game, creating an increasing number of scoring opportunities. Ismael Kone made a crucial intervention to deny Warren Zaire-Emery, while Desire Doue fired wide and Goncalo Ramos had a shot saved, keeping Rennes' defense on high alert.

The breakthrough finally came in the 28th minute, courtesy of Doue's quick thinking. He rapidly took a free-kick, releasing Bradley Barcola, who calmly slotted the ball through Brice Samba's legs to give PSG the lead. Rennes nearly responded immediately, but Ludovic Blas's effort was agonizingly close, and PSG soon threatened again, with Ramos sending his follow-up wide after Samba saved Kang-in Lee's initial effort.

PSG's dominance continued, with Barcola's strike being fired straight at the goalkeeper, and Mohamed Kader Meite crashing a powerful header against the crossbar just before the break. This warning shot served as a reminder that the game was far from over, and PSG emerged from the halftime break with renewed intent, determined to extend their lead.

Within five minutes of the restart, PSG established a two-goal cushion as Bradley Barcola squared the ball for Goncalo Ramos to convert with a first-time finish. However, Rennes responded swiftly, with Arnaud Kalimuendo's instinctive shot being palmed wide, and Lilian Brassier heading home from the ensuing corner to reduce the deficit.

As Rennes pushed for an equalizer, Kalimuendo saw his shot blocked by Willian Pacho after a dynamic run from Ismael Kone. In response, PSG introduced four of their high-profile players, including Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who came close to scoring twice within minutes. Lucas Beraldo then had to react quickly to close down Mohamed Kader Meite after the defender's poor touch presented the 17-year-old with an opportunity.

6 wins in a row in Ligue 1 for PSG ✅✅✅✅✅✅ pic.twitter.com/jEYNR71ggp

— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) March 8, 2025

The match seemed to be heading for a tense conclusion, but PSG always seem to find an extra gear. Ousmane Dembele stole the show with a double blast in injury time, first tucking the ball into an empty net after Achraf Hakimi's cross, and then drilling a composed shot into the bottom right corner after a brilliant first touch from Vitinha's pinpoint pass. This convincing victory marked PSG's sixth consecutive league win, an ideal warm-up for their midweek trip to Anfield.

The defeat was only Rennes' second in six matches under Habib Beye's management, and they should not be disheartened by the loss. For now, they remain nine points above the relegation play-off place, a reasonably comfortable cushion.