Overview
- Making his first appearance of the 2025–26 season, Matvei Safonov started for PSG after the club confirmed Luca Chevalier was unavailable with an ankle problem.
- Safonov recorded at least two notable saves and registered his third Ligue 1 shutout since joining from Krasnodar in 2024.
- PSG beat Rennes 5–0 in Paris, with a brace from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and goals from Senny Mayulu, Ibrahim Mbaye and Gonçalo Ramos; Rennes finished with 10 men.
- On Friday, Luis Enrique declined to discuss individual selections, and after the match he dismissed speculation linking Safonov’s start to Ilya Zabarnyi’s absence, saying the defender had been ill.
- Safonov posted a video message expressing delight at the long-awaited outing, as PSG moved to 33 points in Ligue 1, one behind leaders Lens, with Metz up next on December 13.