Ferran Torres Brace Rescues PSG Draw at Rennes

Sebastian Szymanski and Esteban Lepaul put Rennes in control during an impressive first half before substitute Ferran Torres scored twice to earn the defending champions a point.

Rennes made a fast start and opened the scoring in the ninth minute.

Adrien Thomasson helped launch a counter-attack before finding Szymanski outside the penalty area, and the Poland international unleashed a powerful left-footed effort that struck the inside of the post before finding the net.

PSG responded by dominating possession but struggled to break through a disciplined Rennes defensive structure.

Desire Doue thought he had equalised in the 21st minute after lifting the ball over Brice Samba, but the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR check.

The visitors continued to push forward, yet Rennes remained dangerous whenever they broke at pace.

That threat produced a second goal in the 38th minute.

Przemyslaw Frankowski delivered a low cross from the right and Lepaul finished confidently into the bottom corner to double the hosts' advantage.

The goal came shortly after Ousmane Dembele had missed an opportunity at the opposite end.

Luis Enrique reacted immediately at the interval by introducing Ferran Torres for Dembele and Mika Godts for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

The changes gave PSG fresh energy, although Rennes continued to defend deep and frustrate the champions.

Fabian Ruiz was introduced on the hour mark, and his arrival eventually proved decisive.

PSG finally reduced the deficit in the 71st minute.

Ruiz lifted an excellent pass behind the Rennes defence, and Torres controlled the ball before calmly finishing through Samba's legs to make it 2-1.

The goal increased the pressure on Rennes as PSG pushed strongly for an equaliser.

Eleven minutes later, the same combination struck again.

Ruiz delivered from the left and Torres met the cross with a well-directed header into the bottom corner to complete PSG's comeback and level the match at 2-2.

Rennes almost responded immediately and came close to regaining the lead in the 86th minute when Ludovic Blas attacked a dangerous cross, only for Willian Pacho to make a crucial goal-line block.

PSG continued to press during the closing minutes but could not find a winner.

Torres proved the decisive figure for PSG, scoring twice after being introduced at half-time, while Ruiz provided both assists.

The result prevented Rennes from turning an outstanding first-half performance into an opening-day victory, while PSG avoided beginning their title defence with defeat.

The Parisians are chasing a sixth consecutive Ligue 1 title after winning their 14th French championship last season.

Rennes will next host newly promoted Le Mans, while PSG travel to face Lille.