Coupe de France 2018/19 Tactical Analysis: Rennes vs PSG

Stade Rennais awaited no less than French champions PSG in the French Cup final. Despite PSG being the clear favourites and going in front early in the match, Tuchels side struggled against Rennes fast wing driven attacks.

The following tactical analysis will outline the issues that PSG had, as well as the tactical tweaks that enabled Rennes to beat PSG.

Line-ups and formations

As expected and presumed in our preview, Stade Rennais lined up in a 4-4-2 formation. Although Hatem Ben Arfa played as a playmaker behind striker M’Baye Niang when in possession, the Frenchman also positioned himself alongside Niang during the defensive phase to form a line of two up front. Moreover, head-coach Julien Stéphan lined up fast winger Sarr and full-back who were supposed to attack down PSGs weak left side.

Rennes low-block against PSG’s Positional Play

PSG had a lot of possession at the beginning of the game. To sustain possession and progress up the pitch, Tuchel tasked his side to circulate the ball within their back three and await the opportunity to play towards their attacking three or out wide. When being pressed, PSG’s double pivot in the persons of Draxler and Verratti moved out of the cover-shadow of Rennes’ striking duo and thereby enabled their defenders to overplay the first line of press.

In their 4-4-2, Rennes attempted to close down all passing lanes into the centre. Moreover, they aimed at preventing the PSG midfielders to receive the ball between the lines.