Paris Saint-Germain sent a powerful message ahead of their crucial Champions League second-leg clash against Liverpool, thrashing Rennes 4-1 away in Ligue 1 despite a heavily rotated squad.
Ousmane Dembélé, coming off the bench in the second half, delivered a stunning stoppage-time brace to seal the victory, ensuring PSG maintained their dominant domestic unbeaten streak this season. Goals from Bradley Barcola and Gonçalo Ramos had already put the Parisians in control before Rennes briefly threatened through Lilian Brassier’s header.
With this emphatic win, PSG stretched their lead at the top of Ligue 1 to a commanding 16 points, proving they remain ruthless on all fronts despite having one eye on Tuesday’s Anfield showdown.
Luis Enrique’s Tactical Masterclass
Head coach Luis Enrique made eight changes to his starting XI, resting key players ahead of the Champions League tie. However, the reshuffled squad delivered a performance full of intensity and precision.
“We are in perfect condition to take on Liverpool. We have nothing to lose, and we will give everything to qualify,” Enrique declared post-match, reinforcing PSG’s confidence ahead of the high-stakes encounter.
Dembele’s Ruthless Finish
The in-form French winger, who started on the bench, proved to be PSG’s game-changer once again. His stoppage-time double took him to an astonishing 28 goals in all competitions this season, including 23 in just 18 appearances since mid-December.
His first goal came in the 91st minute, following an unselfish setup by Achraf Hakimi, before he unleashed a clinical strike from the edge of the box in the 94th minute to put the game beyond doubt.
PSG’s Depth Shines
Despite Rennes’ recent resurgence under new coach Habib Beye, PSG’s squad depth proved decisive. While Barcola and Ramos ensured a strong start, Luis Enrique unleashed his heavyweights late on, with Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Hakimi, and Dembele all coming off the bench to reinforce PSG’s dominance.
With their Champions League fate on the line, PSG head to Anfield full of confidence, armed with an unstoppable attack and a squad in peak condition. Tuesday’s second-leg clash promises to be a battle, but PSG have sent a loud and clear warning, they are ready.
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