Paris thwart Rennes 4-1 ahead of Champions League Round of 16 second leg

Following their frustrating 1-0 home loss to Liverpool in the first-leg of their Champions League Round of 16, Paris travelled to the Roazhon Park to face Rennes on Matchday 25 of Ligue 1 McDonald's.

For this game, Luis Enrique made eight changes to his starting lineup from the team that faced Liverpool. A choice made to rest his key players ahead of the crucial second leg at Anfield on March 11. Russian international Matvey Safonov will begin the game with Gianluigi Donnarumma starting on the bench following his difficult midweek game. Furthermore, 19-year-old "Titi" Warren Zaire-Emery will wear the captain armband for the first time in this game.

Paris Saint-Germain's starting XI: Safonov; Beraldo, Pacho, Hernandez, Joao Neves; Warren Zaire-Emery (cap.), Mayulu, Lee Kang-In; Barcola, Gonçalo Ramos, Doué.

Rennes starting XI: Samba; Rouault, Brassier, Jacquet, Assignon, Truffert; Koné, James, Meité; Kalimuendo.

Ligue 1: Rennes vs PSG : Paris take Rennes down 4-1

Paris Saint-Germain started the game well but failed to create clur cut chances against a well-organised Rennes side inside the first 15 minutes of the game. The visitors' only chance to score came on Joao Neves' half volley easily saved by Samba.

Les Parisiens amped up the pressure on the hosts, and finally broke through Rennes's resolute defence through Bradley Barcola. The winger was perfectly set up by Doué's through ball, scoring his 13th league goal at the 27th minute of the game.

Kang-In Lee came close to make it 2-0 but his left footed effort was saved by Brice Samba. Following Barcola's goal, Rennes created many big chances and came close to level the score but saw Safonov's crossbar denying their effort. Both teams went into the half-time break with the visitors dominating the game, while Habib Beye's side looked to maintain their good form going.

Four minutes inside the second half, Gonçalo Ramos made it 2-0. Bradley Barcola delivered a superb cross to Ramos for the second goal of his side in this game.

Less than three minutes later, Lilian Brassier reduced the deficit for Rennes on corner. This goal completly changed the dynamic of the game, with the hosts taking control of the game while creating numerous chances to level the score.

The combined entrances of Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia, Vitinha and Nuno Mendes at the 65th reestablished Paris' domination on the game. Nonetheless, the Brittany side managed to remain dangerous through well-developed counterattacks. Once again, the hosts came close to level the score but saw Safonov save Blas' shot.

WWith less than 3 minutes left, Dembélé missed a golden opportunity to seal the game. The Frenchman saw his effort go wide of Samba's wide open goal with Désiré Doué behind him. Though, the 27-year-old redeemed himself shortly after, sealing Rennes' fate with his 19th league goal of the season.

Three minutes later, Dembélé made it 4-1 with his brace.

Up next, PSG will travel to Anfield to face Liverpool for the second-leg of their Champions League Round of 16. The Parisians are one goal down despite their overwhelming domination on the game.