Four Penalties and a 34-Year First in French Ligue 1
French football fans were treated to a rare spectacle on Saturday night as Paris FC defeated Rennes 4-3 in a Ligue 1 match that saw four penalties awarded, including a hat-trick of spot kicks for one player. The game, played in the seventh round of the 2026/27 season, will be remembered for its extraordinary sequence of penalty decisions and the record-breaking feat achieved by Rennes forward Le Paul.
The match started with Paris FC taking an early lead, but Rennes responded through a penalty from Le Paul after a foul in the box. Paris FC regained the advantage, only for Le Paul to convert another penalty, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way. The pattern repeated itself as Paris FC scored a third, and Le Paul completed his hat-trick from the spot, this time choosing the opposite side. His three penalties kept Rennes level at 3-3 and made him the first player in 34 years to score a penalty hat-trick in a single Ligue 1 match.
The drama was far from over. In stoppage time, Paris FC were awarded a fourth penalty after a foul by Longjie, and Sinayoko stepped up to convert, sealing a dramatic 4-3 victory for the home side. The referee, Deschepy, had a busy evening, and his decisions sparked plenty of discussion among fans and pundits alike. The match marked the first time since January 1992, when Toulon beat Nancy 4-2, that a Ligue 1 game featured four penalties.
For Le Paul, the night was a personal triumph despite the defeat. The forward kept his composure under pressure, scoring three times from the spot and nearly earning his team a point. His performance drew praise from fans and analysts, who noted the rarity of such an achievement in modern football. Penalty hat-tricks are uncommon, and doing so in a single match is a testament to his mental strength and technique.
Paris FC, meanwhile, celebrated a hard-fought win that keeps their season on track. The club, which has been making strides in recent years, showed resilience by twice restoring their lead and then finding a late winner. The victory will boost morale as they aim to establish themselves in the top flight. Coach and players acknowledged the chaotic nature of the game but praised the team’s determination to come out on top.
The match also highlighted the increasing use of VAR and the pressure on referees to make accurate calls. Each penalty was scrutinized, and while some decisions were contentious, the officials stood by their judgments. The game served as a reminder of how penalty decisions can shape the outcome of a match and create unforgettable moments for spectators.
For Rennes, the loss is a setback, but Le Paul’s individual milestone offers a silver lining. The team will need to regroup and address defensive frailties that led to four penalties being conceded. With the season still young, there is plenty of time to recover and push for a higher finish.
As the Ligue 1 season unfolds, this match will be remembered as one of the most dramatic early-season encounters. It showcased the unpredictability of football and the fine margins that decide games. For fans of the sport, it was a night of high drama, record-breaking feats, and a reminder of why we watch the beautiful game.