With good fortune and control, Rennes keep up the pace...

Both managers would happily have settled for a draw. At least, this is what they announced before the game. Only words, as on the pitch, the game was marked with real commitment from both parties.
On a difficult pitch, the beginning of the game was difficult for both sides, who cancelled each other out at midfield, and the play was lacking fluidity.
Progressively, the players from Hérault started taking charge of the game, despite a good pressing by a Rennes team entered to the pitch with determination.
After fifteen minutes, Utaka made the best of a long clearance to escape in the back of Théophile-Catherine and test Douchez for the first time (15’). A shot by Giroud a few minutes later (18’) confirmed Montpellier’s good period.
But after weathering the storm, it only took a superb hit by Boukari – once again – to bring a good Rennes action to a successful end. The former Lens striker’s twenty meters volley ended up in the net, brushing against the post (0-1, 27’).

Montpellier hit the woodwork twice

A well fortunate goal, for a Rennes team that was mainly dominated until then. Rennes’ goal allowed the game to open up and spaces to open. But the biggest chances were for Montpellier and Rennes were happy enough to defend well. Belhanda’s shot, just after Rennes’ goal, ended up behind Douchez’ goal (28’). But the biggest alert came on a heavy shot by Utaka from 25 metres, which blasted against Douchez’ post (35’).
Far from being brilliant, Antonetti’s men reached half-time with a one-goal advantage. And the second half soon started to look like the first, with a ball possession mainly in favour of the local team. But Rennes was in control, and kept on holding defensively. Giroud’s attempt (70’) remained vain. Dernis’ try was hacked off the line by Theophile-Catherine (72’).
On a counter-attack beautifully led by Boukari, Tettey could have killed the game for Rennes, with 10 minutes to play. But the Norwegian didn’t manage to shoot on Rennes’ only chance of the half (81’)
A last chance for Montpellier would show if needed that Lady Luck would definitely not smile to René Girard’s team tonight. Camara saw his shot bounce off the crossbar after he managed to run past Rennes’ defence (93’).

Rennes suffered a lot. But the Bretons also showed why they are the best defence in Ligue 1. The three points were guaranteed, and allowed the “Rouge et Noir” to return in lead of the Ligue 1 standing, before the game between Marseille and Lille tomorrow evening.

Match facts

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

Ligue 1, Game Week 26
Saturday, March 5th 2011, 19:00

Stade de la Mosson
Attendance : 15 165 spectators

Referee: Thomas Léonard

Goals : Boukari (27’) for Rennes.

Yellow Cards : Jeunechamp (84’) for Montpellier ;
Kana-Biyik (24’) and Doumbia (91’) for Rennes.

- Montpellier HSC : Jourdren - Bocaly (Saihi, 90’), Yanga-Mbiwa, El Kaoutari, Jeunechamp - J. Marveaux (cap), Belhanda, Estrada (Dernis, 60’) - Utaka, Giroud (Ait Fana, 73’), S. Camara.

Manager : René Girard.

- Stade Rennais FC : Douchez - Danzé, Mangane (cap), Kana-Biyik, Théophile-Catherine - Mandjeck, M’Vila (Lemoine, 67’), Tettey - Leroy (Brahimi, 77’), Montaño, Boukari (Doumbia, 89’).

Manager : Frédéric Antonetti.