Paris Saint-Germain began their Ligue 1 campaign with a hard-fought 2-2 draw away at Stade Rennais on Sunday, rescued by a substitute appearance from new signing Ferran Torres, who scored twice to prevent the Parisian club from suffering a damaging opening-day defeat.

Rennes, playing at their Roazhon Park stadium in the Breton city of western France, dominated the first half with a display of clinical efficiency that belied their underdog status. Sebastian Szymanski opened the scoring in the ninth minute with a powerful strike that clipped the post before crossing the line. Estéban Lepaul, last season's top scorer in Ligue 1 with 21 goals, doubled the lead on 38 minutes, converting a low cross from Przemyslaw Frankowski on the right wing. PSG, despite controlling possession at around 72 percent, created little of substance going forward — Ousmane Dembélé spurning their best opportunity of the half — and a goal by Désiré Doué was ruled out for offside.

At half-time, PSG coach Luis Enrique made bold changes, withdrawing Ballon d'Or holder Khvicha Kvaratskhelia among others and introducing Torres, recently signed from FC Barcelona, alongside winger Mika Godts. Torres broke through on 71 minutes, smartly beating the offside trap to meet a pass from Spanish international teammate Fabián Ruiz and score his first goal for the club. The same combination proved decisive again on 82 minutes, Ruiz threading a left-wing cross for Torres to equalise. Rennes came close to snatching a late winner, but a header from Ludovic Blas was cleared off the line by defender Willian Pacho in the 86th minute.

The result carries added significance given PSG's recent form. A week earlier, the club had lost the Trophée des Champions — the French season-opener — to Lens 1-0, the same side that inflicted their last Ligue 1 opening-day defeat in 2020. That Lens team was then coached by Franck Haise, who now manages Rennes, adding an extra layer of narrative to the evening. The draw means PSG are the only heavyweight club in France not to have won on the opening weekend, with Lille and Monaco both claiming victories.

For Torres, the impact was immediate and warmly received. The Spanish forward was loudly cheered by PSG's travelling supporters after the final whistle, signalling a promising start to what the club hopes will be a transformative addition to their squad. PSG now face a demanding stretch of fixtures, including matches against Monaco and Marseille, as well as the start of the UEFA Champions League, a competition in which they are seeking a third consecutive title.