Rampant Rennes Shock PSG and Hand Lens Shot at League Summit

Just four days after dismissing manager Habib Beye, Rennes delivered a stunning 3-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain on Friday, halting the title holders' impressive streak of seven straight Ligue 1 triumphs.

Lens, sitting in second, now have the opportunity to overtake the leaders and reclaim the top position on Saturday by defeating Paris FC in the city centre.

PSG began the game with promise, as Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue created chances that ultimately went unrewarded.

After Beye's sacking on Monday, Rennes elevated assistant Sebastien Tambouret to the helm, and the squad that had endured four consecutive defeats appeared revitalised.

Jordanian attacker Mousa Al-Tamari opened the scoring with a powerful shot into the lower corner on the 34th minute.

Esteban Lepaul nodded in the second goal from a set-piece corner in the 69th minute, though Dembele responded swiftly two minutes later by converting a wayward delivery.

Manager Luis Enrique substituted Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia with Bradley Barcola and Lee Kang-in, likely conserving energy ahead of the upcoming Champions League qualification first leg against Monaco midweek.

Rennes substitute forward Breel Embolo sealed the crucial third goal with a firm strike nine minutes from time, clinching a memorable success that propelled them to fifth in the standings.

Even after netting his seventh goal across ten outings, Dembele issued a stark reminder to his colleagues.

"We must secure victories in games like this. We have to function as a unit, not solo performers," stated the frontrunner for this year's Ballon d'Or.

"Greater intensity is required. We need to compete for Paris Saint-Germain's success, as individual efforts on the field lead nowhere and prevent us from claiming the honours we seek."

The ex-Dortmund and Barcelona player commended Rennes, the team that launched his career ten years prior.

"Rennes put on an excellent display," he remarked.

Luis Enrique opted for Matvei Safonov in goal over Lucas Chevalier, but the Russian shot-stopper had limited visibility for Al-Tamari's initial strike.

However, centre-back Willian Pacho neglected to contest the play, and alongside Illia Zabarnyi, they were tardy in reacting to the subsequent scores.

PSG's contenders for a Champions League last-16 berth, Monaco, will face Nantes in Friday's evening fixture.