Saturday Recap: Rennes, Lens Secure Wins

Rennes 2-1 Montpellier

Julien Stéphan and his team maintained their unbeaten run, stretching it to seven matches after securing a victory over Montpellier. Martin Terrier kicked off the scoring just three minutes into the game, giving Rennes a promising start. Arnaud Kalimuendo sealed the win with an insurance goal from a penalty kick early in the second half.

Téji Tedy Savanier scored for Montpellier in the 73rd minute to cut the deficit in half, but the comeback fell short. La Paillade couldn’t find the second goal to at least get the draw and walk away with one point.

Rennes’ recent form puts them four points away from fifth-place side LOSC Lille for one of the European competition spots next season. Montpellier remains three points away from the playoff relegation spot, which Olympique Lyonnais currently occupies.

4e victoire consécutive en @Ligue1UberEats 🫡#SRFCMHSC pic.twitter.com/XJRZzsQFsE

— Stade Rennais F.C. (@staderennais) February 3, 2024

Lens 1-0 FC Nantes

Lens and Nantes played a scoreless first half. Les Sang et Or had seven shots in total, while Les Canaris countered with four, but neither could break the 0-0 deadlock in the first 45 minutes. The scoreless draw wouldn’t last long in the second half, though, as David Costa opened up the scoring in the 48th minute.

One goal is all Lens needed for the three points, as Nantes struggled offensively in the second half. Nantes managed three total shots throughout the second half, failing to score and secure at least a draw.

Franck Haise and his squad are now level with LOSC Lille for fifth place, with Les Dogues holding the tiebreaker on goal differential. Nantes is currently three points clear of the playoff relegation position, as they are tied with Montpellier on 19 points.