Ligue 1: Rennes crushes Strasbourgs B team and sticks to the podium

Strasbourg – Rennes: 0-3

At the highest, at the best moment. Before the end of this 30th championship day, Stade Rennais is back within a point of the podium. The Franck Haise effect continues: since the arrival of the Norman on the bench, the Breton club has a record of six wins, one draw, and one loss.

If they achieved a third successive victory, it’s also thanks to the significant team rotation made by Strasbourg coach Gary O’Neil for this meeting three days after the historic qualification for the Conference League semi-finals, and just as much time before the French Cup semi-final against Nice.

Strasbourg’s gifts

At kickoff, the Englishman only fielded two players from the perfect performance against Mainz on Thursday (4-0): goalkeeper Mike Penders and midfielder Sebastian Nanasi. Additionally, several players played out of position, like midfielders Junior Mwanga and Rafael Luis, who were positioned in defense.

Logically, the challenge was too great. After a clear chance missed by David Datro Fofana (9th), who had a rare opportunity to shine at the top of the attack on Sunday, the Strasbourg team collapsed.

Until they broke, when Esteban Lepaul took advantage of a missed clearance by Mike Penders, who was decisive before that facing Moussa Al-Tamari (12th, 19th), to open the scoring (20th). This scene repeated too many times during the match, with the Alsace defense offering opportunities to their opponents (19th, 22nd).

Rennes kills the match in three minutes

After a dominant first half (14 shots to 4), Rennes scored at the start of the second thanks to Breel Embolo (50th) with a header after a corner, and then Moussa Al-Tamari (52nd) with a clear shot after another loss of ball near the Alsace goal.

When Gary O’Neil brought on Julio Enciso, Samir El-Mourabet, and Andrew Omobamidele (57th), it was already too late. The only French club still present in three competitions, Strasbourg chose to prioritize their semi-final against Nice on Wednesday, even if it jeopardized their chances of a European place in the championship (8th, 43 points).

On the other hand, Stade Rennais is getting closer to the stars of the Champions League. They will have to confirm next Sunday at home against second-to-last-place Nantes.

Halftime: 0-1.
Goals: E. Lepaul (20th), B. Embolo (50th), M. Al-Tamari (52nd).
Warning: Rennes, S. Szymanski (44th).