TNT Sports
Traoare winner gives Paris Saint-Germain title setback after shock Rennes defeat in Ligue 1
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Published 15/01/2023 at 19:57 GMT
Paris Saint-Germain travelled to North West France to take on Rennes on Sunday night in Ligue 1 as they looked to extend their lead at the top of the table. However a shock second half goal from Rennes' Malian defender Hamari Traore earned the home side three points and left PSG just three points clear of Lens in the league as the title run-in looms.
Hamari Traore
Image credit: Getty Images
Rennes upset PSG 1-0 to move within five points of the Champions League places and open up the Ligue 1 title race.
The home side filled midfield with bodies and dared the visitors to beat them on the flanks, gambling that they could win back possession and hit PSG on the break.
That game plan was working well in the first half.
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.
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.
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.
Talking point: Zaire-Emery is a serious talent
Warren Zaire-Emery made his first Ligue 1 start against Rennes, becoming - at the age of 16 - the club’s youngest ever league starter. He looked completely at home.
The teenager showed technical skill to drive through a crowded Rennes midfield as well as the physical power that might be expected to be lacking in one so young.
More than one Rennes player tried to physically dominate Zaire Emery only to be sent sprawling. He looked more comfortable than 20-year-old Hugo Ekitike.
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.
More than that, the midfielder displayed real intelligence with his decision making. At times he drove Rennes forward as they looked to break PSG’s ragged defensive line, but at others he preferred to slow things down and control the ball instead.
Player ratings
Rennes: Mandanda 6, Traore 7, Rodon 7, Wooh 7, Theate 6, Truffert 8, Ugochukwu 6, Majer 8, Doue 7, Gouiri 6, Kalimuendo 7. Subs: Meling 6, Doue 6, Tait 6, Doku N/A
PSG: Donnarumma, 7 Mukiele 6, Marquinhos 6, Ramos 6, Bernat 7, Vitinha 6, Danilo 6, Zaire-Emery 7, Neymar 5, Messi 7, Ekitike 4. Subs: Mbappe 6, Hakimi 6, Fabian 5, Renato 5, Soler 5.
Match highlights
28' BIG SAVE DONNARUMMA
Kalimuendo finds space in the box and fires a first time shot towards goal, but the Italy keeper is up to the job and pushes it out for a corner.
33' ANOTHER DONNARUMMA SAVE
The big Italian could perhaps have caught the free kick but he took no chances, punching it half clear.
49' GOOD SAVE MANDANDA
The veteran goalkeeper's first real contribution for the match is to deny Danilo Pereira's point-blank header.
65' GOAL RENNES
The home side break the deadlock as Truffert pulls it back for Rennes captain Hamari Traore to rifle home his shot.
Key stats
Rennes: 52% - The proportion of Rennes attacks that came down the right-flank, largely thanks to a storming performance from young left-back Adrien Truffert.
PSG: ONE - The visitors managed just a single shot on target in 90 minutes of football despite dominating possession with 65%. That tells the entire story of a forgettable match for the champions.
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