Courageous Parisians continue their run against Rennes
After a match that was as competitive as it was difficult, Paris Saint-Germain picked up a point against Stade Rennais on Matchday 23 of Ligue 1 (1-1). Here's a look back at the match.
Maintaining a run of form requires constant self-examination. Our Parisians proved that once again on Sunday. They have often treated us to luxury in recent months, with an incredible unbeaten run of 18 matches against opponents who are more aggressive and brave than ever in all competitions. But on Sunday, they had to roll up their sleeves to avoid defeat against a historical bogey team, Stade Rennais, in pouring rain that plunged the Parc into a Breton atmosphere... All the more so with the visitors on a run of 6 consecutive wins in Ligue 1. While Julien Stephan played the rotation card by leaving Terrier and Bourigeaud on the bench, Luis Enrique was also forced to adjust his starting line-up, particularly in defence, in the absence of captain Marquinhos.
It was obvious that the Red and Blues could not afford to underestimate today's opponents. In a packed Parc des Princes overcome by the emotion of a moving tribute to the great Artur Jorge, the atmosphere in the capital was as sad as the weather. However, Kylian Mbappé and his team-mates did everything they could to set the Parc Princes alight in the freezing cold and driving rain. A sublime team move early in the first half forced Mandanda to make a minor miracle of a save on the line (18'). But Julien Stéphan's brave side had the strength to put the brakes on all of Paris's attempts and were applying a stifling press. Against the run of play, they were the first to strike. Gouiri scored a solo goal to give his team the lead (0-1, 39').
The second half needed different ideas, and that's exactly what our Red and Blues were looking for. Committed to winning the ball back, diligent in using it, they never stopped threatening the Bretons, looking for the slightest break. Ousmane Dembélé, who was relentless down the flank, was a case in point, but his chances were thwarted by Steve Mandanda (58'). With the efforts of the starting players failing to pay off, Luis Enrique decided to bring on some fresh legs, sending on Randal Kolo Muani, Marco Asensio and Gonçalo Ramos to bolster the attack.
Amid all the frustration, the Parc des Princes was also treated to some good news on Sunday, as Nuno Mendes made his return to the pitch after a 10-month absence, to a standing ovation from the capital. However, the resilient Rennes side continued to threaten on several occasions, with Bourigeaud providing another scare on the counter-attack (68'). In a frantic finale to the match, the two teams responded to each other from one end of the pitch to the other. Gonçalo Ramos (71') and Danilo (75') both thought they had equalised, but luck was not with the home side. It took a last-gasp effort from Gonçalo Ramos to equalise, who won a penalty and then converted it with authority to relieve the Parc (1-1, 90'+7).
After a dogged performance, Paris Saint-Germain snatched a precious point, and our Red and Blues will have no time to dwell on it. The next match promises to be just as exciting, with a trip to the Rock to take on AS Monaco next Friday, a few days before the second leg against Real Sociedad in the UEFA Champions League.