Barcola's Brace, Kang-In Lee Scores as PSG Defeat Rennes in Ligue 1
With two goals from Bradley Barcola and one more from Kang-In Lee, PSG maintained its unbeaten status in Ligue 1 after defeating Rennes 3-1.
The reigning champion and current leader, now three points ahead of Marseille and AS Monaco with a game in hand, is reveling in the performances of its 22-year-old left winger. A decisive player. He has already scored six goals in seven matches this season. On Friday, he was involved in all three goals that helped his team overcome the challenges posed by their opponent at various stages, although Paris Saint-Germain played with fire far too often. They relaxed excessively.
True, a goal by Marquinhos had been ruled out at 2 minutes and 43 seconds due to offside, and Hakimi missed the chance to score the opener with a shot that hit the crossbar. Still, with the scoreline at 0-0, it was Rennes who controlled possession, the ball, and the chances at the Parc des Princes, playing more in PSG's half than in their own.
That was until Dembélé recovered the ball in midfield, played it to Joao Neves, who returned it to the winger, minutes after Dembélé missed a 1-0 opportunity by being too individualistic. This time, he passed it to Barcola. Barcola controlled it, set himself up, and unleashed a right-footed shot to the far post, unreachable for the goalkeeper. The 1-0. Minute 30. It was the first display of the winger, who had played a minor role in the recent Euros in Germany.
Luis Enrique's euphoric celebration reflected the importance of the goal and the moment. Paris Saint-Germain didn’t play well before, during, or after. Their pressing wasn’t as fluid or effective as they wanted, and they didn’t really feel in control of the match. That’s why the goal was crucial for the home team, which sealed the win an hour into the game.
Once again, Barcola. In the 2-0, he was the catalyst. His incredible curling right-footed shot smashed against the post. The rebound was headed in by Kang-in Lee, bringing some calm to the Parisian side, which, without exerting themselves or being the dominant force, found themselves 2-0 up. Not through inertia, but because they had a decisive player like the Lyon winger, who capped it off with the 3-0 in the 68th minute after a pass from Achraf Hakimi to shine even brighter.
Afterward, he made way for Randal Kolo Muani, awaiting new challenges, though Rennes managed to give PSG a scare. First, they scored the 3-1 from a penalty converted by Kalimuendo, and more significantly, they seemed to close in on 3-2 with a goal from Seidu against Safonov, Donnarumma's substitute. However, VAR ruled it out due to a handball in the buildup. A relief for Paris Saint-Germain. An anecdote in Barcola's brilliant performance.