Donnarumma, discreet but essential
A few days after the 1-4 defeat against Newcastle in the Champions League, one can imagine that Gianluigi Donnarumma, the Italian goalkeeper of PSG, had clean sheet aspirations in Ligue 1. His teammates, on the other hand, had clearly understood the message, ensuring a serious start to the match, monopolizing the ball without, however, managing to create danger in the Rennes defense. The former AC Milan goalkeeper stood out at that moment with two decisive saves. The first came in the 6th minute, a welcome save after Kalimuendo eliminated Skriniar in a one-on-one situation. The second save, much less visible and spectacular, came in the 12th minute with a decisive interception in his penalty area. Ludovic Blas, who had been invisible in the first half, broke free on the left side and delivered a first-time cross to Kalimuendo, who was alone in the penalty area. Donnarumma, with perfect game reading, dived and asserted himself before the Rennes player could take a shot. Truly impressive.
When Dembélé goes all the way…
No, Ousmane Dembélé did not score for PSG in the first half. But after several quiet minutes and poorly managed situations, the former FC Barcelona player would prove to be decisive. After a successful backheel from Marquinhos, Dembélé won the ball 40 meters out, made a difference along the touchline, cut inside, and managed to find Vitinha. It was a true masterpiece, delicately executed with his right foot from 20 meters (0-1, 32nd minute). PSG only took four minutes to make it 2-0, with a decisive pass from Zaïre-Emery to Hakimi, who was alone in the Rennes penalty area. Hakimi pretended to pass to the center but instead deceived Mandanda with a headed goal at the right post. This action led to the anger of the Rennes bench for a handball by the Moroccan player at the beginning of the play.
When Stade Rennais steps out of its shell, PSG punishes
We don’t know what Bruno Genesio said to his players in the dressing room. The only certainty is that they didn’t come back to the pitch with the same intentions. Playing higher, more determined and more creative, Rennes even woke up their fans with two chances in a minute: a non-targeted volley from Kalimuendo (49th minute) and a left-footed shot saved by Donnarumma from Assignon. Six minutes later, SRFC was rewarded for their efforts with a goal from Amine Gouiri, served perfectly by Blas (1-2, 56th minute). However, this hope was short-lived as two minutes later, Hakimi, once again launched perfectly on the right side, crossed for Kolo Muani, who scored with his left foot at close range (1-3, 58th minute). PSG could have even won by a larger margin, but Hakimi (78th minute) neglected his teammates in the center and Barcola (81st minute) lost his one-on-one with Mandanda. A solid match for a clear and precise victory, PSG had a good Sunday night.
It is also @KMbappe’s 400th professional match! 👏🔴🔵 #SRFCPSG
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) October 8, 2023
In summary
Tonight, starting at 8:45 PM, Stade Rennais hosted PSG for the final match of the 8th round of Ligue 1. After 90 minutes and PSG’s victory, here are the main highlights to remember.
