Ferran Torres double completes dramatic Paris Saint-Germain comeback at Stade Rennais

Ferran Torres scored twice after coming off the bench as Paris Saint-Germain recovered from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Stade Rennais in a thrilling opening Ligue 1 encounter.

Stade Rennais appeared on course for victory after taking a commanding lead during the first half, but Torres transformed the contest after being introduced by Luis Enrique at the interval. His goals in the 71st and 83rd minutes earned Paris Saint-Germain a point and prevented what had looked like a damaging defeat.

The match, which concluded the opening round of the Ligue 1 season, began with Stade Rennais taking control. They opened the scoring after 10 minutes when Sebastian Szymanski received a pass from Adrien Thomasson just outside the penalty area. He struck a powerful effort towards the left corner, with the ball going in off the post beyond Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Matvey Safonov.

Paris Saint-Germain tried to respond immediately, but Stade Rennais defended with discipline and were helped by an impressive display from goalkeeper Brice Samba. He made several important saves as Luis Enrique’s side created opportunities but failed to convert them.

The hosts then punished that wastefulness by doubling their advantage in the 38th minute. Frankowski moved forward down the left before delivering a cross into the area, where Esteban Lepaul finished from close range to put Stade Rennais 2-0 ahead.

With his side in serious danger of losing, Luis Enrique made two changes at half-time. Mika Godts and Torres were brought on in place of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembele as Paris Saint-Germain sought a way back into the match.

Torres quickly justified his manager’s decision. In the 71st minute, Fabian Ruiz slipped a pass through to the Spain forward inside the penalty area. Torres kept his composure and fired past Samba to reduce the deficit and give Paris Saint-Germain renewed hope.

The substitute completed the comeback 12 minutes later. Ruiz again played a decisive role, sending a cross from the left towards the far post. Torres rose above the defence and directed a header into the net to make it 2-2 and complete his personal double.

Stade Rennais still had chances to reclaim the lead during the closing stages. Ludovic Blas came close when his header appeared destined for the net, only for William Pacho to clear the ball off the line. Blas then went close again with a late effort that passed just wide of the post.

The result means both clubs begin their Ligue 1 campaigns with a point. For Paris Saint-Germain, however, the night belonged to Torres, whose impact changed the game after he entered at half-time and rescued his team from a defeat that had seemed increasingly likely.