Rennes on a points strike

A point out of a possible six. Here’s the Stade Rennais’ achievement sincr they have been leading the Ligue 1 standings. Facing a more inspired Herault team, Frédéric Antonetti’s men were unable to disturb the balance of Montpellier’s defensive unit.

Disturbed by a strong pressing, Rennes were unable to get into the early stages of the games, and showed rather timorous in their intentions. Due to a lack of preparation, imprecisions were permanent for Rennes, who kept on skipping the midfield to try and launch Kembo-Ekoko behind the defence.

Without displaying incredible skills, Montpellier showed more activity and movement in front of the ball holder, and logically took advantage of the Rennes defence. On a pass by Giroud, S. Camara escaped on the left and delivered to Belhanda at the far post. No worries for Douchez (6’)

Stade Rennes were reacting through Dalmat, making his way through the Montpellier defence. The former Sochaux player transmitted to Kembo Ekoko, who failed to take the edge on Spahic (15’). Not really inspired in his runs, the Rennes striker was even less realist in front of the goals. Invisible until then, S. Marveaux launched Brahmi on the right side. The French U21 international sent a powerfull cross towards Kembo-Ekoko, who missed his header (33’). A few minutes later, Brahimi took the advantage on Pitau at midfield and launched Kembo Ekoko again. But Jourdren won his one-to-one with the French-Congolese (39’)

At this time, one could think that the warm-up was over and that the “Rouge et Noir” would now be able to deal with their leader status. Not for long. On a corner by Chilean midfielder Estrada, J. Marveaux beat Douchez with a header at the near post (0-1, 43’).

Rennes lacking inspiration

The second half was pretty much the same for Stade Rennais. Another chill was running through the back of the Rennes supporters with a free-kick by Estrada, skimming the cross bar of Douchez, who hadn’t moved (60’).

Whereas Montpellier was in control, the Herault team was severely reduced to ten men after Bocaly was sent –off one hour into the game (62’). Despite their power play, Rennes were far from impressing with their attempts to close back. Just entered, A. Camara was a clear asset on the left flank, through his freshness and his pace. From the side, he forced Jourdren to a good stop (63’). The Montpellier keeper was force to more contributions on long shots by Théophile-Catherine and M’Vila (71’, 79’).

Rennes were pushing in the last minutes of the game, but Mangane was sent-off as well, after a strong charge on S.Camara (83’). More inspired since S. Marveaux had been taken off, Brahimi took charge of his team’s play. Held in the technical area, he was only awarded a free-kick by Mr Moreira, while a penalty would have been the right decision. The free-kick failed to create any danger (87’).

Trailing for the first time this season, Stade Rennes seemed never able to switch things. Consequently, the “Rouge et Noir” concede their first defeat of this season in Ligue 1, but keep their position on top of the Championship table. Better than nothing.

Match Facts

STADE RENNAIS FC 0 - 1 MONTPELLIER HSC (half-time : 0-1)

Ligue 1, Game Week 10
Saturday, October 23rd, 19:00

Stade de la Route de Lorient
Attendance: 22 688 spectators

Referee : Sébastien Moreira

Goal : J. Marveaux (43’) for Montpellier.

Yellow Cards : Brahimi (68’), Kana-Biyik (73’) for Rennes. S. Camara (36’), J. Marveaux (44’), Spahic (90’ +4) for Montpellier.

Red Cards : Mangane (81’) for Rennes. Bocaly (63’) for Montpellier.

- Stade Rennais FC : Douchez - Danzé, Kana-Biyik, Mangane, Théophile-Catherine - M’Vila, Dalmat, Leroy (A. Camara, 60’) - Brahimi, Kembo Ekoko, S. Marveaux (Souprayen, 81’).

Manager : Frédéric Antonetti.

- Montpellier HSC : Jourdren - Bocaly, Yanga-Mbiwa, Spahic, Jeunechamp - Pitau, J. Marveaux (Aït-Fana, 77’), Estrada (Stambouli, 65’) - Belhanda, Giroud, S. Camara (Dernis, 85’).

Manager: René Girard.