Paris Saint-Germain narrowly avoided a shock defeat in their opening fixture of the French football league season, rallying from a two-goal deficit to secure a 2:2 draw thanks to an inspiring second-half performance from new signing Torres.
Paris Saint-Germain rescued by Torres in opening draw
Manager Luis Enrique turned to his bench after a dismal first half that saw Rennes take a commanding lead through goals from Szymański and Lepaul. The team had already endured a difficult buildup to the domestic campaign following a defeat against Lens in the French Super Cup.
Heatwave forces relocation and early defensive struggles
The fixture was originally scheduled to take place at the Parc des Princes in Paris, but severe summer heat damaged the home pitch, forcing a relocation to the opposition’s venue. Playing away from home in unfamiliar conditions, the Parisians struggled early against a well-organized Rennes side under the guidance of manager Franck Haise.
Rennes opened the scoring in the ninth minute when Szymański capitalized on defensive lapses to slot past the goalkeeper. The hosts doubled their advantage in the 38th minute through Lepaul. Paris thought they had halved the deficit before halftime, but a goal by Doué was chalked off following a VAR review for an offside infraction.
Substitutes shift the momentum
Trailing by two goals at the break, Luis Enrique introduced major attacking reinforcements. The Spanish manager brought on Belgian Godts from Ajax alongside Torres, who arrived from Barcelona. The tactical adjustments altered the momentum of the match completely.
Torres ignited the comeback in the 71st minute by finishing a slick attacking sequence created in tandem with fellow World Cup winner Ruiz. The Spanish forward struck again eleven minutes later, burying a close-range effort in the 82nd minute to level the score at 2:2 and rescue a point for the visitors.
Broader Ligue 1 opening weekend results
Haise took charge of Rennes in February and successfully guided the club into the UEFA Europa League, building a competitive side capable of testing elite opposition.
Elsewhere in the opening round of the French top-flight campaign, Lille secured a 2:0 away victory over Angers with goals from Giroud and Santos. Meanwhile, Monaco edged past Le Havre 1:0 thanks to a solitary strike from Dier.
Paris Saint-Germain will look to secure their first victory of the domestic campaign in their next scheduled fixture, while Rennes prepares to build on their strong opening performance.
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