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Rennes upset Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 to move within five points of the Champions League places and open up the Ligue 1 title race
Stade Rennais put in a superb all-round display to beat Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in Ligue 1, meaning Les Parisiens remain winless in their last four visits to Rennes and still sit just three points ahead of second-placed Lens.
Rennes were missing the injured Martin Terrier and suspended Benjamin Bourigeaud, and in light of them losing two of their last three league matches, the hosts set up in an unfamiliar shape.
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Bruno Genesio deployed a back three for the first time this season, hoping to nullify leaders PSG at Roazhon Park, and his men did so to the fullest extent in the opening skirmishes, with wayward strikes from Lionel Messi and Vitinha the best Les Parisiens could muster.
Former PSG forward Arnaud Kalimuendo was leading Rennes’ attack as if he had a point to prove. Three times in the first half he pulled away from his man and found the space to test Gianluigi Donnarumma, but the Italian proved equal to the task.
It was goalless at the break, but the home side had enjoyed by far the better chances.
Second half action
After an hour Kylian Mbappe and Achraf Hakimi were introduced as they officially returned from World Cup duty but it was Rennes who broke the deadlock.
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Adrien Truffert - a constant thorn in the visitors’ sides - dashed to the byline and pulled a ball back for Rennes captain Hamari Traore to rifle his team into the lead.
The visitors briefly turned up their intensity but in truth goalkeeper Steve Mandanda had only one real save to make in 90 minutes. Mbappe tried to make things happen but looked rusty after a prolonged post-World Cup break.
PSG’s second straight league defeat away from home means Lens are now just three points behind the reigning champions in second place.
Player of the match
While a victory like this inevitably has many heroes, Lovro Majer was the inspiration for Rennes. The Croatian midfielder had more touches than any other Rennes player and made seven tackles, easily the most of any player on the pitch.
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