Rennes – Paris Saint-Germain: PSG Falter In Rennes’ Fortress (1-0)

This match had promised to be a tricky away fixture for PSG, and it proved to be so as they found themselves unable to break down Rennes’ 5-4-1 defensive scheme. The home side spent most of the game without the ball, but made occasional forward endeavours, particularly down the left side. One such move led to their winning goal, swept in by the opposite wing-back Hamari Traoré.

Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley.

Rennes came into this game on the back of a defeat to Clermont last time out but would have gained some confidence from their home record this season which is one of the strongest in Europe. Bruno Génésio opted for a 5-2-3 system to face PSG, with Christopher Wooh, Joe Rodon, and Arthur Theate as center-backs, flanked by wing-backs Hamari Traoré and Adrien Truffert. Lovro Majer and Lesley Ugochukwu partnered in central midfield behind a front three of Désiré Doué, Arnaud Kalimuendo and Amine Gouiri.

PSG bounced back from their New Years Day defeat by Lens by beating Angers at home in midweek. Christophe Galtier’s side once again used a 3-4-3 shape in this game, with a back three of Sergio Ramos, Marquinhos, and Danilo Pereira. Nordi Mukiele and Juan Bernat were the wing-backs, while Vitinha and youngster Warren Zaïre-Emery played centrally. Lionel Messi and Neymar then played either side of Hugo Ekitike up front.

No joy for . . .

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Josh Manley (21) is a student and aspiring coach. Heavily interested in tactics and strategy in football. Watching teams from all top European leagues, but especially Manchester United and Barcelona. [ View all posts ]

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