Ligue 1: Spain’s World Cup hero Torres saves PSG’s blushes at Rennes

Paris Saint-Germain began their French Ligue 1 title defense with a 2-2 draw against Rennes, thanks to a brace from World Cup winner Ferran Torres. The Spanish forward came off the bench for his league debut and scored twice, salvaging a point for PSG after they fell behind.

Rennes had established a commanding 2-0 lead at halftime with goals from Sebastian Szymanski and Esteban Lepaul. Szymanski opened the scoring in the 21st minute with a low effort from outside the box, assisted by Adrien Thomasson. Lepaul doubled their advantage seven minutes before the break, converting a chance set up by Moussa Al Tamari's counter-attack. PSG struggled to find the net in the first half, with efforts from Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia going wide.

Torres, who recently scored the winning goal for Spain in the World Cup final, entered the game in the second half. He quickly made an impact, reducing the deficit with a goal assisted by his compatriot Fabian Ruiz. With eight minutes remaining, Torres and Ruiz combined again, with Ruiz providing a cross that Torres headed home to equalize. Despite PSG's late pressure, they could not find a third goal. Manager Luis Enrique had benched Torres and winger Maghnes Akliouche for the match, which was moved from the Parc des Princes due to pitch issues.

In another match, Olivier Giroud scored the opening goal as Lille secured a 2-0 victory over Angers, marking a winning start for new coach Davide Ancelotti.

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The game was difficult, we knew it would be. I just put my hand up, then with Fabian’s quality, you just have to run, and he puts the ball in the right place.