Defending champions PSG had scored first in a league-high 12 matches this season; however, the hosts failed to call Rennes goalkeeper Brice Samba into action throughout the opening quarter hour.
That trend didn’t change for an injury-hit Parisiens side for the next 13 minutes, as Luis Enrique’s side clearly looked to be missing the attacking intent of Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes and Desire Doue.
However, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia stepped up in the absence of his teammates. Supporters inside the Parc des Princes wouldn’t have had time to blink after Matvey Safonov brilliantly turned Esteban Lepaul’s fierce strike onto the post with a sublime one-handed save, as Kvaratskhelia netted a contender for December’s goal of the month.
Jinking away from two Rennes defenders, the Georgian let loose a gorgeous strike that flew straight into the corner.
To make matters worse, PSG made one become two six minutes before half-time, as Senny Mayulu converted Joao Neves’ ball into the back of the net from the penalty spot.
It didn’t take PSG long to threaten a third goal following the restart. Firstly, Mayulu beat Samba again, but not from the upright, and two minutes later, Kvaratskhelia saw his effort from outside the area expertly redirected to safety by the palms of the Congolese goalkeeper.
Samba’s busy evening wasn't finished there as he instinctively stuck out a leg to keep Bradley Barcola from celebrating a sixth league goal of the season.
Nevertheless, a momentous mistake from the Lens’ number one meant his hard work was quickly undone. Losing possession inside his own six-yard area, Mayulu and Kvaratskhelia made Samba pay. The midfield maestro skillfully teed it up for the Man of the Match to fiercely fire home.
To compound Rennes’ woeful trip to the capital, Jeremy Jacquet was sent off for a second yellow card in the 74th minute, after stamping on the back of Goncalo Ramos’ heel.
There was still time for PSG to add insult to injury as substitute Ibrahim Mbaye added a fourth with a stunning strike before Ramos completed the rout in stoppage time.
A crucial win in terms of a potential fifth successive Ligue 1 title also sees PSG extend their unbeaten head-to-head run to six matches across all competitions (W5, D1).
Meanwhile, Rennes haven’t beaten the Parisiens since March 2023. Despite the defeat, Habib Beye’s men are still sitting in the final European qualification position, but only ahead of Monaco by a single point.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Paris Saint-Germain)
