Breel Embolo strikes as Stade Rennais stun Paris Saint-Germain and blow Ligue 1 race open

Breel Embolo delivered the decisive blow as Stade Rennais reignited the Ligue 1 title race with a stirring 3-1 victory over leaders Paris Saint-Germain, ending their own four-match slump in emphatic fashion.

Rennes entered the contest under caretaker Sébastien Tambouret following recent upheaval, yet produced a display brimming with energy and belief. Early warning signs emerged when Esteban Lepaul rattled the post from distance, setting the tone for a night that would unsettle the reigning champions.

PSG gradually assumed control of possession, but Rennes goalkeeper Brice Samba proved defiant. He denied Désiré Doué with a composed stop after a clever through ball from Ousmane Dembélé, before producing another sharp intervention to repel the winger’s curling effort.

The breakthrough arrived in spectacular style. Musa Al-Taamari chased a lofted pass down the right, cut inside and finished clinically beyond Matvey Safonov to hand the hosts a deserved advantage. PSG threatened before the interval, yet lacked precision in front of goal as João Neves failed to convert from close range.

Rennes doubled their lead midway through the second half when Lepaul rose powerfully to head home a Sebastian Szymański delivery. PSG responded instantly through Dembélé, who nodded in from Achraf Hakimi’s deflected cross, sparking late pressure from Luis Enrique’s men.

However, Rennes sealed the contest in the closing stages. A swift counter-attack ended with Ludovic Blas squaring for Embolo, who forced the ball over the line to complete a memorable upset.

The result halts PSG’s seven-match winning run and leaves them only two points clear of Lens, injecting fresh drama into the championship battle.