Ferran Torres Shines as PSG Fights Back to Draw Against Rennes in Ligue 1 Opener
French Ligue 1
Rennes 2 – 2 Paris Saint-Germain FT
Ferran Torres celebrates scoring for PSG [Getty Images]
World Cup winner Ferran Torres scored twice for Paris St-Germain after they trailed 2-0 to salvage a draw at Rennes in their Ligue 1 opener.
The 26-year-old, who scored the winning goal for Spain in the World Cup final victory over Argentina, completed a reported £42.7m transfer from Barcelona on August 15.
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PSG boss Luis Enrique brought in debutant Torres at half-time as his team faced an opening day loss.
The former Manchester City player replaced Ballon d’Or recipient Ousmane Dembele and quickly became a fan favorite, finding the net in the 71st and 82nd minutes to rescue the French champions.
PSG’s first half performance was below par, as they fell behind early with a goal from Sebastian Szymanski in the ninth minute, followed by Esteban Lepaul doubling the score before the halftime break.
Despite Rennes finishing sixth last season, they could not maintain their lead as Luis Enrique’s tactical changes made a difference for PSG.
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The French champions were originally set to kick off their title defense against Rennes in the capital, but the match was held in Brittany due to pitch damage caused by heatwaves.
PSG aims to secure their sixth consecutive Ligue 1 title this season, along with a third successive Champions League trophy.
French Ligue 1
Rennes 2 – 2 Paris Saint-Germain FT
Ferran Torres celebrates scoring for PSG [Getty Images]
World Cup winner Ferran Torres scored twice for Paris St-Germain after they trailed 2-0 to salvage a draw at Rennes in their Ligue 1 opener.
The 26-year-old, who scored the winning goal for Spain in the World Cup final win over Argentina, completed a reported £42.7m move from Barcelona on 15 August.
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PSG boss Luis Enrique turned to debutant Torres at half-time with his side facing an opening day defeat.
The former Manchester City forward took the place of Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele and became an instant hero with goals in the 71st and 82nd minutes to spare the French champions’ blushes.
It was a uncharacteristically poor first half for PSG, who fell behind in the ninth minute through Sebastian Szymanski before Esteban Lepaul doubled the lead before the break.
But Rennes, who finished sixth last season, could not hold on to their lead as Luis Enrique used the quality at his disposal on the PSG bench.
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The French champions had been due to start their title defence against Rennes in the capital, but the fixture was reversed and held in Brittany instead with heatwaves leaving the PSG pitch “severely damaged”.
PSG are aiming to win their sixth consecutive Ligue 1 title this season, as well as a third straight Champions League trophy.
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