Off the back of a convincing 2-1 away win at Panathinaikos to go top of their Europa League group, Stade Rennais hosted struggling Strasbourg this Sunday for Ligue 1’s tenth matchweek. Patrick Vieira’s side had lost their last three Ligue 1 outings prior to their trip to Rennes’ Roazhon Park. The first goalscoring opportunity fell to the visitors with Steve Mandanda showing good reflexes to palm away a powerful header from Emanuel Emegha.
Strasbourg were comprehensively losing the midfield battle with some of their players not looking like they knew what they were supposed to do – a worrying pattern for Vieira’s Strasbourg this season. It only felt right that Rennes opened the scoring on their very first shot on target. Strasbourg left-back Thomas Delaine left too much time and space for Lorenz Assignon to cross. Lucas Perrin fumbled his clearance with the ball falling to Adrien Truffert, whose well-taken right-footed curler found its way home. Rennes were far from their best, but it was well enough to tame a dismal Strasbourg side.
The Alsatians kept on leaving the initiative to Rennes, without proving much of a threat to Mandanda. Vieira had enough and brought on two centre-forwards, Kevin Gameiro and Lebo Mothiba, at the hour mark to force through an equalizer. Meanwhile, Bruno Genesio’s players were let down by their final touch, meaning the overall quality of the second half was quite low. Strasbourg goalie Matz Sels was however alert to prevent Benjamin Bourigeaud from scoring a direct free-kick and put the game to bed. Gameiro also went close with the half-volley, showing the frailty of the hosts’ one-goal lead.
The visitors eventually found a way back in the game, punishing another spell of complacency from the Bretons. Gameiro’s powerful effort outside the box was badly mishandled by Mandanda and Mothiba was on cue to restore parity. Vieira’s substitutions paid off, whilst Genesio’s had very little impact in the second half. The visitors even finished strongly but nothing could separate the teams in the end. Strasbourg’s position in the league (14th) remains precarious but the Alsatians will take solace in grabbing a point on the road. Rennes’ start of the season keeps on being underwhelming and questions need to be asked whether Genesio is the right man to fulfil the Brittany side’s grand ambitions.
Rennes players ratings
Steve Mandanda, 4
Lorenz Assignon, 6
Warmed Omari, 5
Jeanuël Belocian, 6 – In the absence of Arthur Theate, the youngster stepped up, pocketing Emegha and displaying good passing quality, physicality as well as good awareness in his positioning.
Adrien Truffert, 6
Benjamin Bourigeaud, 5
Nemanja Matic, 5 – The experienced Serbian midfielder produced another quality shift at the heart of Rennes’ midfield, dictating play and losing very few balls, but only in the first half. And he really should keep his composure when dealing with the refereeing team. His substitution was arguably the starting point of Strasbourg’s resurgence.
Désiré Doué, 4
Ludovic Blas, 4
Arnaud Kalimuendo, 5 – The France U21 international had little on his plate, but to his credit, he showed glimpses of improvement in his holdup play. Replaced by Martin Terrier, who is slowly building his fitness back after nine months on the sidelines.
Amine Gouiri, 3
Strasbourg players ratings
Matz Sels, 6
Marvin Senaya, 5
Lucas Perrin, 4
Gerzino Nyamsi, 4
Thomas Delaine, 3
Ismaël Doukouré, 4
Junior Mwanga, 4
Ângelo Gabriel, 3 – The Chelsea loanee started well, looking like the only Strasbourg player able to make a difference. But his influence rapidly waned. The Brazilian was also outpaced by Truffert for the latter’s opening goal. Did not make it past the hour mark and was replaced by Kevin Gameiro, who was influential in restoring parity in the 81st minute.
Dilane Bakwa, 3 – The former Girondins winger was nowhere to be seen and was of little use to his teammates, losing a staggering tally of 14 balls in the first half alone.
Moïse Sahi Dion, 4
Emanuel Emegha, 4
