Rennes still struggling

Already defeated against Lorient (0-2) and against Guingamp in Coupe de la Ligue (1-3), Stade rennais can definitely not get anything out these regional derbies played away from la route de Lorient.

Against Brest’s players decided to show another side than the one they showed during the first match, Rennes’ players have shown their current attacking issues and mainly relied on their defensive force to compensate their poor attacking style.
With Mandjeck starting as a defensive midfielder and Doumbia starting as an offensive midfielder, Frédéric Antonetti had decided to push on the physical aspect of his team in the midfield against Brest. Therefore, Lemoine was prefered to a tired Leroy and to Dalmat to make the link with the attacking line.

His choice did not really pay off, Stade brestois having already taken control of the game by resisting to a few of Rennes’ initiatives. With precised free-kicks from Grougi, Brest’s players got the best opportunities against a struggling Red and Black defense.
With the time going on, Rennes’s player could have taken control of the game but the game uncertainty ended after Brest stroke of genius. On a counter-attack after half an hour, Nolan Roux stroke from thirty meters away finding Douchez’ goal totally powerless (1-0).

A hammer blow on Rennes’ players heads, already busy trying to get scoring opportunities. After this first goal and considering the current state of Rennes’ attacking game, the end of the match was no surprise.

At half time, Antonetti tried to modify the events by introducing the experience of Dalmat and Leroy. Despite bringing an extra skilled touch, they did not modify the end result. Comfortably settled in the game Brest’s players could easily use counter-attacks. Ten minutes after half time, they scored again after a run on the left side from Lesoimier. The crossed ball reached Grougi, alone, and stroke a powerful shot (2-0).

The game was definitely over, the last half an hour being just a party for Brest, celebrated by their fans. Logical winner, Brest has ended their streak of defeats and made a big step to remain in ligue 1 next year. Stade rennais is still not winning. After 4 games without a win, they have equalled their worst streak of the season and slow down in the race for a Champion’s League qualification.

Match Report

STADE BRESTOIS 2 - 0 STADE RENNAIS FC (Half-time: 1-0)

Ligue 1, 30th Round
Saturday 9 April 2011 at 9pm

Stade Francis-Le Blé
Attendance : 15 500

Referee : Philippe Malige

Goals : Roux (30’) et Grougi (54’) for Brest.

Yellow cards : Doumbia (64’) and Souprayen (72’) for Rennes.

- Stade rennais FC : Douchez - Danzé (cap) (Souprayen, 58’), Boye, Kana-Biyik, Théophile-Catherine - Mandjeck (Leroy, 46’), M’Vila, Lemoine (Dalmat, 46’) - Doumbia, Montaño, Boukari.

Coach : Frédéric Antonetti.

- Stade brestois 29 : Elana - Baysse, Brou Apanga, Kantari, Ferradj - N’Goyi, Ewolo (cap), Touré, Grougi (Licka, 90’+3), Lesoimier - Roux (Ayité, 75’).

Coach : Alex Dupont.