Rennes were missing the injured Martin Terrier and suspended Benjamin Bourigeaud, and in light of them losing two of their last three league matches, the hosts set up in an unfamiliar shape.
Bruno Génésio deployed a back three for the first time this season, hoping to nullify leaders PSG at Roazhon Park, and his men did so to the fullest extent in the opening skirmishes, with wayward strikes from Lionel Messi and Vitinha the best Les Parisiens could muster.
With Christophe Galtier’s words likely still ringing in PSG ears, Danilo Pereira headed the visitors’ biggest opportunity of the match straight at Steve Mandanda mere minutes after the restart.
Les Parisiens’ boss then introduced Kylian Mbappé and Achraf Hakimi in the 55th minute, but Hakimi’s first major moment of the game was to be beaten by Truffert, who pulled the ball back for captain Hamari Traoré to emphatically score his first of the season and give Rennes a fully-deserved lead.
A late goal was always a possibility, as no club has scored more Ligue 1 goals after the 75th minute than these two teams so far, but Mandanda tipped Juan Bernat’s late attempt over the crossbar, as Rennes secured a ninth consecutive win at Roazhon Park.
