Paris Saint-Germain bounced back from their Champions League defeat to Liverpool as the Ligue 1 champions came from behind to beat Rennes 3-1.
Thomas Tuchel's side, without the suspended Kylian Mbappe, were trailing inside 11 minutes at Roazhon Park, but Angel Di Maria's emphatic equaliser handed them the initiative on the stroke of half-time.
The pressure told just after the hour - Thomas Meunier slotting home after Edinson Cavani, who had a goal ruled out in the first half, squandered two gilt-edged opportunities.
Former PSG man Hatem Ben Arfa gave Rennes some hope with an impressive cameo, but it was PSG who had the final say when substitute Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting added gloss to a sixth straight Ligue 1 win seven minutes from time.
Rennes started strongly and Marquinhos' error enabled Clement Grenier to play in James Lea Siliki 10 minutes in, but the Brazil defender got back to clear off the line.
PSG's luck ran out from the resulting corner - Grenier's drilled inswinger deflecting in off Rabiot's shoulder.
Cavani had a goal disallowed for offside as PSG rallied, but Julian Draxler cut back for Di Maria to arrow home from 20 yards in the 45th minute.
45' GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLL PSG!!! Angel Di Maria strikes from distance right before the halftime break!! 1-1 September 23, 2018
Cavani should have nudged PSG ahead in a frantic opening to the second half, only for the Uruguayan to hit the woodwork before failing to convert from point-blank range.
Meunier made no such mistake in the 61st minute, however, racing onto a throughball from Neymar – who later gave his shirt to a tearful young boy who entered the pitch while the Brazilian was substituted in stoppage time – before dispatching low across Tomas Koubek.
Meunier turned provider seven minutes from time, squaring for Choupo-Moting to prod in his first PSG goal and restore their five-point cushion at the summit.
What it means: Mbappe's absence felt
Mbappe's creative spark and blistering pace has been crucial to PSG this term, with the 19-year-old already scoring five goals in all competitions. Despite the star power on show, Tuchel's side were far from at their best without the former Monaco prodigy.
Meunier adds a different dimension
Even though Cavani and Neymar failed to fire, PSG have other options and Meunier's surging run and finish, followed by a neat assist for Choupo-Moting's effort, was the perfect example. The full-back enjoyed a fantastic World Cup with Belgium and has hit the ground running this term.
Cavani misses could have proved costly
There is no doubting Cavani's goalscoring record, but the forward lacked his usual composure in front of goal and was fortunate Rennes did not make PSG pay for his profligacy.
What's next?
There are midweek fixtures for both sides, with PSG hosting Reims on Wednesday, while Rennes travel to struggling Amiens.
