Luis Enrique understood that he needed to respond after suffering a 4-1 loss to Newcastle United in the Champions League in midweek, and PSG delivered their answer last Sunday night.
Paris Saint-Germain took on undefeated Rennes at Roazhon Park in Ligue 1. Vitinha stood in for Randal Kolo Muani in the line-up and got himself on the scoresheet in a 3-1 victory.
The Parisians had a shaky start when Arnaud Kalimuendo-Muinga tested Gianluigi Donnarumma on six minutes, inducing a good save.
Vitinha’s efforts were what broke the deadlock with an excellent strike from 20 yards out, curling the ball into the top corner beyond Steve Mandanda.
PSG delivered an opener that subdued Rennes and Acharaf Hakimi exploited this laps four minutes later, doubling his team’s lead.
Warren Zaire-Emery assisted Luca Hernandez’s goal in England on Wednesday and this time he added another inch-perfect delivery for the fullback. He did well to place his header beyond Mandanda to compound the hosting team’s woes.
Amine Gouiri pulled one back for Rennes, giving them hope with a strong header, but it was shortlived as Muani entered the field and played like someone who had a point to make.
Entering immediately after Rennes’ goal, Muanu scored with his first touch to tap in a cross from Ousmane Dembele, later scoring a second goal which was ruled as an offside in the build-up.
This result now means that PSG can benefit from Brest’s draw with Toulouse to regain their spot in the top three of Ligue 1. With eight matches played, the current champions are two points behind AS Monaco and one behind Nice.
