This Saturday, December 6th, Paris Saint-Germain (2nd) faces Rennes (5th) at the Parc des Princes (kick-off at 9:05 PM, CET) for Matchday 15 of the 2025-2026 Ligue 1 season. And as before every match, here is a preview of PSG’s opponent.
Rennes’ situation –
While the Rennes club seemed poised for a successful period, having secured European qualification at the end of the 2022-2023 season, new difficulties arose. The start of the 2023-2024 season was complicated by the upheavals of the transfer window, which ultimately led to Bruno Génésio’s departure. Julien Stéphan, who had already been with Rennes before his move to Strasbourg in 2021, returned on November 20, 2024.
This did not solve all the problems, far from it. Finally, at the end of January, another coach took over at Rennes: Habib Beye, who had made a name for himself with Red Star after being a Senegalese international defender and sports commentator. The impact was generally positive.
However, he also faced difficulties, particularly at the start of this season. At the end of October, he was even on the verge of being sacked. But he managed to turn things around, and Rennes arrives in Paris after a promising period (at least in terms of results) and sitting 5th in the league.
Summer 2025 Transfer Window –
Source: Transfermarkt
Departures:
Arrivals:
Key Statistics –
This season, Rennes boasts one of the 6th best attacks in Ligue 1 with 24 goals scored (Olympique de Marseille leads with 35, and Auxerre trails with 8), and the 7th best defense with 18 goals conceded (PSG and Lens have the best defense with 12 goals conceded, while Metz trails with 31).
Rennes’ top scorer is Esteban Lepaul (24-year-old striker), who, with 8 goals, is 3rd in the league (Mason Greenwood leads in Ligue 1 with 10 goals). Lepaul is also the club’s top assist provider with 3 assists, ranking 10th in Ligue 1 (Vitinha leads with 5 assists).
Rennes’ last 5 matches –
Only Rennes’ possession is shown, and Rennes’ shots are listed first (when data is available).
October 29, 2025 (Ligue 1) – Toulouse/Rennes: 2-2. 3-5-2 formation. 49% possession. 12 shots, 6 on target, compared to 13 shots (5 on target) for Toulouse.
November 2, 2025 (Ligue 1) – Rennes/Strasbourg: 4-1. 3-5-2 formation. 41% possession. 14 shots, 7 on target, compared to 18 shots (2 on target) for Strasbourg.
November 7, 2025 (Ligue 1) – Paris FC/Rennes: 0-1. 3-5-2 formation. 47% possession. 9 shots, 3 on target, compared to 16 shots (5 on target) for Paris FC.
November 22, 2025 (Ligue 1) – Rennes/Monaco (down to 10 men from the 66th minute, 2-0): 4-1. Playing a 3-5-2 formation. 51% possession. 11 shots, 7 on target, vs. 7 shots (3 on target).
November 28, 2025 (Ligue 1) – Metz/Rennes: 0-1. Playing a 3-5-2 formation. 48% possession. 9 shots, 5 on target, vs. 12 shots (3 on target).
The Squad :
Unavailable – Seko Fofana, Nordan Mukiele (injury).
The probable starting lineup in a 3-5-2 formation.
Embolo – Lepaul
Tamari – Cissé – Rongier – Camara – Frankowski
Brassier – Jacquet – Aït Boudlal
Samba
Rennes’ playing style.
Upon arriving in Rennes, Beye revolutionized the team. Particularly with a back three and the idea of playing aggressively to create as many chances as possible. Even if it means taking risks and exploiting the offside trap to control space behind the defenders. He’s taken a more cautious approach recently, and it’s clear that possession isn’t a primary objective. Against PSG, we expect a very compact and aggressive defensive block, looking to counter-attack and punish them as soon as possible.
