Ligue 1, Round 18, 13/01/2024
Amid the controversy surrounding Nemanja Matic’s future in Rennes, Stade Rennais had the opportunity to seal a second Ligue 1 win on the bounce for the first time this season. Meanwhile, second-placed Nice could reduce their deficit to league leaders PSG to two points. Les Aiglons started with ease, displaying their trademark slow-building passing sequences. However, the visitors were struggling to pose a threat, as opposed to the hosts.
Rennes gradually grew into the game and an unmarked Arnaud Kalimuendo completely mistimed his header. Marcin Bulka then showed strong hands to deflect Benjamin Bourigeaud’s volley. With Khéphren Thuram out injured and Youssuf Ndayishimiye shifted at centre-back due to the suspension of Jean-Clair Todibo, Nice was far too easily overrun in midfield. Nice winger Evann Guessand nearly got himself in trouble in his own penalty box twice with Rennes denied two penalty shouts.
It would be a case of third time lucky with Rosario sanctioned for a handball in the box following a corner. Rennes midfielder Bourigeaud held his own and dispatched past Bulka from the spot at the half-hour mark. Nice’s reply was a shy attempt of a header from Gaëtan Laborde going straight into Steve Mandanda’s gloves. A well-drilled Rennes entered half-time with a deserved lead. Meanwhile, the INEOS-owned Ligue 1 team lacked guile, precision and inspiration.
Their troubles deepened in the second act. Again, Rennes won a duel in midfield and Enzo Le Fée had all the time to thread a precise pass for Kalimuendo, whose low finish found its way in Bulka’s net. Nice were now firmly on the ropes with Rennes showing glimpses of clear improvement under the guidance of Julien Stéphan. The pace of the game slowed down late on with tiredness kicking on in freezing conditions.
Although they are second-placed, Nice were second best at the Roazhon Park tonight, conceding back-to-back away losses in the league. Taking into account their Coupe de France tie, Stade Rennais have now won three games on the bounce.
Rennes players ratings
Steve Mandanda – 6
Guéla Doué – 5
Warmed Omari – 6
Arthur Theate – 6
Adrien Truffert – 6
Benjamin Bourigeaud – 7
Baptiste Santamaria – 7
With Nemanja Matic pushing for an exit, the French holding midfielder is quietly improving Rennes’ midfield with his physicality, grit and willingness to start the press. With Le Fée and Bourigeaud, they bossed the midfield.
Enzo Le Fée – 6
Désiré Doué – 5
Arnaud Kalimuendo – 6
The former PSG youth product keeps missing big chances, but his determination is commendable. Showed good composure to double his side’s lead with his fourth goal in three games.
Martin Terrier – 6
He is yet to return to his commanding best but he’s making a strong case to be an indisputable starter thanks to his work ethic. It was his header that met Rosario’s outstretched arm, leading to Bourigeaud’s opener from the penalty spot.
Nice players ratings
Marcin Bulka – 5
Jordan Lotomba- 5
Youssouf Ndayishimiye – 5
In the absence of the suspended Jean-Clair Todibo, the Burundian midfielder hardly put a foot wrong alongside Dante.
Dante – 4
The Brazilian veteran was outpaced by Kalimuendo’s run for the second goal and did not exude the confidence he is accustomed to. Besides, as a captain, the absence of reaction from his teammates partly falls on him.
Melvin Bard – 5
Pablo Rosario – 3
Alexis Claude-Maurice – 3
Morgan Sanson – 2
The former Aston Villa man had a catastrophic game tonight. His impact on midfield was virtually non-existent. He only won two of the twelve duels he contested and managed only one cross of the six he attempted. No Nice players lost as many balls as him (17).
Evann Guessand – 4
Terem Moffi – 3
Before heading to Ivory Coast for the AFCON with Nigeria, the centre-forward had a frustrating night in Brittany, making little use of the few opportunities he was given.
Gaëtan Laborde – 4
GFFN | Bastien Cheval
