It was a night to forget for Paris Saint-Germain as they stumbled to a 3-1 defeat against Stade Rennais at Roazhon Park in the 22nd round of the 2025-26 Ligue 1 season, putting their place atop the table in jeopardy. PSG, who kicked off the match as league leaders with 51 points, now find themselves anxiously looking over their shoulders at Lens, who trail by just two points and hold a game in hand. For Rennes, the victory was a statement, vaulting them to fifth place with 34 points and reinvigorating their European ambitions.
The match, played on February 14, 2026, saw both teams fielding strong lineups. PSG lined up in their familiar 4-3-3 formation, with Kvaratskhelia, Dembélé, and Due leading the line. In midfield, Neves, Vitinha, and the ever-energetic Emery were tasked with dictating play, while a backline of Mendes, Pacho, Javarny, and Hakimi stood in front of goalkeeper Saponov. Rennes, meanwhile, deployed a 4-2-3-1 shape, with Esteban Lepol spearheading the attack, supported by Arnaud Nordin, Sebastian Szymanski, and the lively Musa Altamari. The midfield duo of Kamara and Le Fée provided steel and creativity, while the defense was anchored by Merlé, Brassier, Rouault, and Nagida, with Samba guarding the net.
The early exchanges were lively, with both sides probing for weaknesses. Rennes nearly struck first in the sixth minute, as Lepol’s audacious long-range effort rattled the right post, sending an early warning to PSG. Dembélé and Due responded for the visitors, combining for a slick move that forced Samba into a comfortable save. The champions pressed forward, but Rennes’ defense proved stubborn, withstanding wave after wave of Parisian attacks.
As the first half wore on, Rennes began to grow in confidence. Their pressing game unsettled PSG, and in the 32nd minute, Merlé’s shot forced Saponov into an acrobatic stop. The breakthrough came just two minutes later. Altamari, picking up a ball outside the penalty arc, danced past Pacho with a clever feint before unleashing a left-footed drive that curled beyond Saponov and nestled into the left corner. The home crowd erupted, and PSG suddenly found themselves chasing the game.
PSG’s response was immediate, but not quite clinical. Dembélé and Kvaratskhelia tried to combine in the final third, but Rennes’ backline, marshaled by Brassier and Rouault, held firm. As halftime approached, the visitors looked rattled, unable to break through the disciplined Rennes defense.
The second half saw PSG manager Luis Enrique ring the changes in search of attacking inspiration. In the 60th minute, Lee Kang-in was introduced for Kvaratskhelia, joined by Barcola as PSG switched up their forward options. Lee, a player known for his intelligent movement and quick feet, quickly made his presence felt, linking up well with teammates and driving into the penalty area. Yet, despite his best efforts, Rennes’ defenders managed to snuff out his attempts before he could get a shot away.
Rennes, sensing PSG’s growing desperation, struck again in the 69th minute. Szymanski whipped in a dangerous corner from the left, and Lepol rose highest to power a header past the helpless Saponov. The PSG defense was caught flat-footed, and suddenly the deficit was two goals. The Parisians, however, were not done yet.
Just two minutes later, Hakimi surged down the right and sent in a teasing cross. The ball deflected off a defender and fell kindly for Dembélé, who nodded home from close range to give PSG a glimmer of hope. The goal injected new life into the visitors, and for a brief spell, it looked as though they might stage a comeback.
Lee Kang-in continued to impress with his movement and passing, orchestrating attacks and combining neatly with Barcola and Dembélé. In the 73rd minute, he exchanged a series of quick passes to break into the box, but a last-ditch tackle from Nagida denied him a clear shot. PSG threw on Fernandez and Hams in a final roll of the dice, but the Rennes defense, supported by an inspired Samba in goal, stood tall.
With nine minutes remaining, Rennes delivered the killer blow. Substitute Blas surged down the left and delivered a low cross into the area. Embolo, another substitute, timed his run perfectly and bundled the ball over the line, sealing a famous victory for the hosts. PSG’s resistance was broken, and their hopes of salvaging a point evaporated.
In the dying moments, Lee Kang-in unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the area, only for Samba to produce a spectacular save, denying the Korean midfielder a late consolation. As the final whistle blew, the Rennes faithful celebrated a comprehensive win, while PSG’s players trudged off, knowing their grip on the title race had loosened.
After the match, attention quickly turned to the league standings. PSG’s record now stands at 16 wins, 3 draws, and 3 losses, their lead at the top trimmed to just two points. Lens, with a game in hand, smell blood in the water. Rennes, meanwhile, leapfrog into fifth place, their European hopes reignited by a performance full of grit and guile.
Coach Luis Enrique’s bold substitutions—including the introduction of Lee Kang-in, Barcola, Fernandez, and Hams—were not enough to turn the tide. According to MyDaily, "Lee Kang-in was substituted on at the 60th minute for Kvaratskhelia and played approximately 30 minutes." His energetic cameo offered a silver lining for PSG fans, but ultimately, the night belonged to Rennes.
For Rennes, Altamari’s opener, Lepol’s commanding header, and Embolo’s late strike were just rewards for a team that out-fought and out-thought the defending champions. PSG, for all their attacking talent, struggled to find answers, and now face a tense few weeks as the title race heats up.
With Lens breathing down their necks and questions swirling about their form, PSG must regroup quickly. Will this defeat serve as a wake-up call, or is it a sign of deeper troubles ahead? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure—Ligue 1’s title chase just got a whole lot more interesting.