Paris Saint-Germain fight back to draw 2-2 with Rennes in Ligue 1 opener

Paris Saint-Germain fought back from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw against Rennes on Sunday evening in the opening round of the French Ligue 1.

Rennes started strongly and took the lead in the ninth minute through Sebastian Szymanski, who capitalized on an Adrien Thomasson pass inside the box and fired a shot that rebounded off the left post into the net, putting the hosts ahead.

In the 21st minute, Desire Doue scored for Paris Saint-Germain, but the goal was ruled out for offside, a decision confirmed after a VAR review.

Paris Saint-Germain pressed for an equalizer, but Rennes doubled their advantage in the 38th minute when Przemyslaw Frankowski set up Esteban Loupol in the box, who finished with a direct shot into the center of the goal to make it 2-0.

Just before halftime, Adrien Thomasson received a yellow card, while Rennes goalkeeper Brice Samba made a fine save to deny Joao Neves.

At the start of the second half, Luis Enrique made attacking changes, bringing on Ferran Torres for Ousmane Dembele and Mika Godet for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

The Spanish coach’s substitutions paid off in the 71st minute when Ferran Torres latched onto a precise cross from Fabian Ruiz inside the box, controlled the ball, and fired into the center of the goal to reduce the deficit to 2-1.

Torres needed just two more minutes to bring Paris Saint-Germain level, heading in another Fabian Ruiz cross from close range to make it 2-2.

Both teams pushed for a winner in the closing minutes, with Achraf Hakimi and Marquinhos picking up yellow cards, while Rennes made several substitutions to maintain their balance.

After five minutes of stoppage time, the referee blew the final whistle, ending the match in a 2-2 draw and giving both teams a point to start their Ligue 1 campaign.