This time, Kylian Mbappé, captain, could not save Paris, despite his many appeals. He still went to greet the fans at the end of the match, unlike Leo Messi, who returned to the locker room at the final whistle.

Well taken by Rennes, the French striker was not helped by the Argentine, invisible during the match. He had received a few whistles when the composition of the match was announced.

Almost non-existent in the second half and overwhelmed in defence -- largely overhauled due to injuries to Marquinhos, Ramos and Kimpembe--, the Parisians were also dominated in duels.

And when they approached the Rennes cages, Steve Mandanda made superb parries, including a curled strike from Marco Verratti (84th).

Rennes goalkeeper Steve Mandanda interposes in front of PSG's Kylian Mbappe in Ligue 1 at the Parc des Princes on March 19, 2023 in Paris © FRANCK FIFE / AFP

In front, Rennes were carried by a very good Kalimuendo (47th), omnipresent, and by Benjamin Bourigeaud, author of the assist on Toko Ekambi's goal (44th).

With a win in Reims on Sunday night, Olympique de Marseille could return to seven points behind the Parisians. Lens are provisionally second, nine points behind.

Already winners in the first leg, Rennes have won their two confrontations with PSG this season.

Monaco found success in Ajaccio (2-0) after three matches without a win, and is still in the race for the podium, while Nice was scared in Lorient but remains unbeaten (1-1) for eleven matches in Ligue 1.

Ben Yedder joins Lacazette

Wissam Ben Yedder scores for Monaco against Ajaccio in the League at the François-Coty stadium on March 19, 2023 in Ajaccio © Pascal POCHARD-CASABIANCA / AFP

In a fairly average match where the Corsicans were reduced to ten for forty minutes, the Monegasques opened the scoring by Ben Yedder (26th), who joins Alexandre Lacazette with 17 goals this season.

At the end of the match (84th), Monaco doubled the bet thanks to Krépin Diatta, while Ajaccio put rhythm to equalize.

Just before the second goal, Corsican Kevin Spadanuda spun to goal but was perfectly stopped by captain Axel Disasi, who was called up to the France team in the wake to replace William Saliba, injured.

With 54 points, Monaco consolidates its fourth place just before the international break, and is closer to Olympique de Marseille (3rd, 56 points), which travels to Reims on Sunday evening.

For Ajaccio, the situation is more complicated. Beaten six times in the last seven days, the Corsicans remain 18th and relegated.

Gaëtan Laborde has just equalized for Nice against Lorient in Ligue 1 on March 19, 2023 at the Allianz Riviera stadium in Nice © Valery HACHE / AFP

Unbeaten in Ligue 1 since January 11 and the only French representative in a European competition, Nice (7th, 44 points) was scared in Lorient, just behind the French Riviera in the standings (8th, 44 points).

Led to the score from the half hour of play, Didier Digard's men, who had also been hooked last weekend by Nantes, equalized thanks to Gaëtan Laborde (77th).

Called up for the first time with the Blues, Khephren Thuram was omnipresent and even almost caused a penalty for Nice, finally canceled by VAR.

Still held in check, Nice loses points for Europe, behind Rennes (5th).

Khephren Thuram omnipresent with Nice against Lorient in Ligue 1 at the Allianz Riviera on March 19, 2023 in Nice © Valery HACHE / AFP

In a match at the bottom of the table, Brest (16th) and Troyes (18th) neutralized each other (2-2).

© 2023 AFP