It’s green lights again for Rennes

Struggling since long weeks, taken in a run of nine games without a win, Stade Rennais could rightfully dread to see Saint- Étienne catch-up a bit closer to a fifth places the Bretons are desperately trying to hang on to. At Geoffroy-Guichard, however, Antonetti’s men would soon calm the enthusiasm of the men in green by scoring early in the game. Challenged by two Saint-Etienne defenders, Montaño attempted a 20 metres curled strike which surprised everyone, including Janot. The ASSE goalkeeper couldn’t punch the ball, and was beaten on Rennes’ first occasion of the game (0-1, 11’).

Saint-Étienne reacted progressively. Sako, on a free-kick, forced Douchez to tip the ball out for a corner (21’). After blasting a huge shot, Sako was at the helm again, a minute later to deliver a cross for Perrin in the penalty area. The midfielder managed to turn around, but his shot rolled outside Douchez’ goal (22’). The threat was growing, when Perrin delivered another shot, countered by Kana-Biyik (26’). In the following minute, a corner-kick beautifully taken by Sako landed in the top corner of Douchez’ goal, and the ASSE equalised (1-1, 27’). A logical equaliser, in regards to the rather even game delivered so far by the 22 players.

An opportunistic Stade Rennais

It was back to square one for Rennes. At the 35th minute, Boukari was well launched by Lemoine and prepared to face Janot, only to be caught back by Bocanegra. Then, a few minutes before half-time, it was Montaño’s turn to challenge the Saint-Etienne defence. The Colombian managed to serve Leroy at far post, who controlled the ball with his chest before blasting it past Janot (1-2, 44’). Mightily close to conceding again through Batlles on the following game, a Stade Rennais “taking their chances with opportunism”, as Leroy himself admitted to Foot+’ s reporters at half-time, came in for the break with a one-goal advantage.

The second half would start with a lacklustre first fifteen minutes from both sides. It would take until the 64th minute before Alonso created himself the first chance of the half for Saint- Étienne with a volley following a corner. Les Verts, who weren’t able to disturb Rennes in open play, were mostly dangerous on set-pieces. At the 68th minute, Aubameyang was inches away to beat Douchez by heading in a free-kick by Sako, but the Rennes goalkeeper managed a decisive parade.

Relief for Rennes

Rennes were hanging on, but they would be put to the sword in the final minutes of the game. Between the 84th and the 85th minute, Saint-Étienne were awarded three corners. Saint-Etienne were pushing, and Stade Rennes were clearing their area in a hurry. In injury time, the “Stéphanois” were given a free-kick at the entrance of the penalty area (90’+1). Sako took it, but hit over Douchez’ bar.

Relieved, Frédéric Antonetti could raise his arms in victory: Rennes, who hadn’t scored two goals in a same game since February 26th, brought a run of nine winless games to an end. With two games to play, the Bretons have nearly booked their spot in the Europa League. Against Nancy, next week, they will have to finish the job however, in order to solidify their fifth place.

Match facts

AS SAINT-ÉTIENNE 1 - 2 STADE RENNAIS FC (half-time : 1-2)

Ligue 1, Game Week 36
Sunday, May 15th, 2011, 17:00

Stade Geoffroy-Guichard
Attendance : 22 581 spectators

Referee : Nicolas Rainville

Goals : Montaño (11’) and Leroy (44’) for Rennes.
Sako (27’) for Saint-Étienne.

Yellow Cards : M’Vila (68’) and Montaño (86’) for Rennes.
Alonso (62’), Perrin (76’) and Bocanegra (82’) for Saint-Étienne.

- Stade Rennais FC : Douchez - Danzé, Kana-Biyik, Mangane (cap.), Souprayen - M’Vila, Lemoine, Dalmat - Leroy (Mandjeck, 61’), Montaño (Jebbour, 90+3’), Boukari (Camara, 87’).

Manager : Frédéric Antonetti.

- AS Saint-Étienne : Janot (Moulin, 53’) - Ebondo, Bocanegra, Monsoreau, Ghoulam - Alonso (Sanogo, 72’), Perrin (cap.), Matuidi, Batlles, Sako - Rivière (Aubameyang, 14’).

Manager : Christophe Galtier.