Rennes 2-0 Paris Saint-Germain: Player ratings as PSG fall to defeat
By Sean Walsh
Paris Saint-Germain's perfect start to the new Ligue 1 season was brought to an end in a 2-0 defeat at Rennes on Sunday.
Their run of eight straight wins saw them sail clear at the top of the table, but now head into the international break off the back of a disappointing loss in a game where they were clearly second-best.
Lionel Messi came close to giving PSG the lead after seven minutes. Angel Di Maria and Achraf Hakimi combined well down the right while leading a counter attack and the Morocco international picked Messi out on the edge of the box, but his goal-bound effort was blocked.
Rennes looked the more well-rounded team in the opening exchanges, however. Gaetan Laborde and Kamaldeen Sulemana both went close for the home side, before Neymar and Kylian Mbappe both somehow smashed one-on-one chances from six yards out over the bar.
Messi then rocked the woodwork with a free-kick and PSG were beginning to find some rhythm, finally stringing passes together in the final third and breaking Rennes down.
But just as Les Parisiens were getting a foothold in the game, Rennes took the lead on the stroke of half-time. Sulemana's teasing cross was met by Laborde, who snuck in just ahead of Nuno Mendes at the far post to open the scoring.
PSG endured a nightmare start the second half too, conceding immediately from kick-off. Laborde's low ball across the face of goal was stroked home by Flavien Tait and suddenly Mauricio Pochettino's men had a mountain to climb.
Mbappe thought he had pulled one back just after the hour mark, but was adjudged to have been offside in the buildup and the goal - which was PSG's only shot on target all game - was ruled out.
Rennes were awarded a penalty late on when Hakimi brought down Laborde, but the referee reversed the decision after a VAR check and PSG were spared further embarrassment, though still left Roazhon Park with their tails between their legs.
PSG player ratings
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Gianluigi Donnarumma (GK) - 5/10 - Made a few decent saves at 0-0, but lost the command of his area and nearly talked his way into a red card.
Achraf Hakimi (RB) - 4/10 - Useful going forward but too weak defensively.
Marquinhos (CB) - 6/10 - Made a couple of last-ditch interceptions but was hardly spectacular.
Presnel Kimpembe (CB) - 4/10 - Looked ropey throughout and did not inspire confidence.
Nuno Mendes (LB) - 3/10 - Poor kid, not his fault he's been thrusted right into the starting lineup for the Harlem Globetrotters. But he was just so poor with and without the ball.
2. Midfielders
Marco Verratti (CM) - 5/10 - Pep Guardiola may love him, but not sure Pochettino will after such a passive performance.
Idrissa Gueye (CM) - 5/10 - Played with energy but that's as good as it got for him.
Lionel Messi (AM) - 7/10 - Ability to create something out of nothing came in handy and was the best player on the pitch in the first half. Unable to find an all important goal however.
3. Forwards
Angel Di Maria (RW) - 6/10 - Impressive when he did have the ball in attacking areas, but not enough to find a way through.
Kylian Mbappe (CF) - 5/10 - Had chances and was lively but you never felt like his heart was in it.
Neymar (LW) - 3/10 - Couldn't even play basic passes, let alone carve Rennes open. Hooked with 15 minutes remaining and PSG chasing the game.
4. Substitutes
Georginio Wijnaldum (CM) - N/A
Ander Herrera (CM) - N/A
Mauro Icardi (CF) - N/A