RENNES, France (AP) — Coachless Rennes ended a five-game winless streak with a 3-1 home win over Ligue 1 leader Paris Saint-Germain on Friday.
The home side sacked head coach Habib Beye on Monday as early-season results appear to be disappearing and are a decided underdog against PSG, who come to Brittany after winning all of their last seven league games.
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But Rennes hit the post early and a confident start paid off after 33 minutes. Jordanian midfielder Moussa Al-Tamari scored the brilliant opener after charging forward on the counterattack and finding enough space between two defenders on the edge of the area.
PSG came into the game but hesitated in front of goal and Esteban Le Paul doubled Rennes’ lead midway through the second half. The prolific center forward got up top and headed past Matvey Safonov for his 11th goal of the season.
Former Rennes player Ousmane Dembélé pulled a goal back for PSG two minutes later, but Brel Embolo restored Rennes’ two-goal cushion after another counterattack in the 81st minute.
PSG remain top of the table but can be overtaken by second-placed Lens if they beat PSG on Saturday.
Rennes moved past Lille into fifth place.
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AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
