Ferran Torres Bags Brace on Debut to Rescue PSG from Defeat

Paris Saint-Germain, the reigning champions, staged a remarkable comeback from a two-goal deficit to secure a 2-2 draw in their opening Ligue 1 match of the 2026/2027 season against Rennes.

The hosts took a commanding lead before halftime with goals from Sebastian Szymanski (9') and Esteban Leopol (38'). However, in the second half, Ferran Torres (71', 82') came off the bench to score his debut goals for the two-time European club champions, salvaging a point for his side. Additionally, a goal by Désiré Doué was disallowed for offside.

The first half proved to be a nightmare for the champions, who nearly conceded within two minutes when Moussa Tamari's long-range effort sailed just wide. PSG then found their footing, pushing play into the opposition's half and creating several chances, even earning a corner. Yet, their lack of clinical finishing was severely punished. Thomasson found Szymanski, who placed a shot to the left, leaving Safonov with no chance.

From that point, the Parisians continued their dominance, asserting total control over possession, which at one stage reached 72 percent. Following a series of corners, Doué found the back of the net, guarded by Brice Samba, but the goal was chalked off for offside.

The VAR system reviewed the situation, confirming the offside call, and the match continued with Rennes holding a 1-0 lead.

PSG maintained their pressure, earning two more corners, but these failed to yield any change. By the 35th minute, they still hadn't registered a shot on target. In fact, Szymanski's goal was the only shot on target for either side until seven minutes before the end of the first half. At that moment, Frankowski set up Leopol, who made no mistake, punishing Safonov for a second time and making the task incredibly difficult for the capital club.

In the 40th minute, Samba was finally forced into action, saving a shot from João Neves.

Two minutes later, referee Bastian Dechepy issued the first yellow card of the match to Adrien Thomasson of the home side.

At halftime, Luis Enrique reacted by bringing on some heavy artillery. He substituted the 2025 Ballon d'Or winner, Ousmane Dembélé, for Ferran Torres, who was making his debut for the two-time European club champions. Torres immediately tried to make an impact, sending in a pass in the 47th minute, but couldn't register an assist.

Meanwhile, another of the French giants' summer signings, Mika Gods, who joined from Ajax, also entered the fray.

In the 54th minute, PSG created their first significant chance of the second half. Doué broke free from his marker after a cross and unleashed a powerful shot from inside the penalty area. Zaire-Emery's follow-up was parried by Samba, who once again proved to be a hero for his team.

In the 64th minute, tempers flared, and Bastian Dechepy was forced to reach for his pocket again. This time, he booked another home player, Moussa Tamari, and also cautioned the champions' head coach, Luis Enrique.

In the 66th minute, the hosts could have sealed the victory. However, Mahamadou Nagida's aim was off, and his shot sailed over the crossbar.

Five minutes later, Rennes' defense finally crumbled. Luis Enrique's tactical prowess shone through as Ferran Torres scored, assisted by Fabian Ruiz.

In the 76th minute, Désiré Doué had a chance for a quick equalizer but shot over the bar.

Six minutes later, Brice Samba was finally beaten, unable to keep a clean sheet. The familiar duo of Ruiz and Torres combined again to score the goal that saved the champions from defeat.