Bourigeaud, Terrier Fuel Rennes Win Over OM

After losing to Villarreal on Thursday but still advancing to the UEFA Europa League quarterfinals, Jean-Louis Gasset and his team were aiming for a bounce-back win against Rennes. 

Marseille didn’t get off on the right foot as Martin Terrier opened the scoring for Rennes in the 21st minute. OM had four total shots in the first 45 minutes but couldn’t find the goal to level the scoring.

In the second half, Les Phocéens encountered considerable offensive difficulties as OM had zero shots on target. Benjamin Bourigeaud added Rennes’ second goal on a penalty kick in the 77th minute to secure the win for Les Rouge et Noirs. 

OM have hit their first major speed bump under Gasset, which they must overcome following the FIFA break. Marseille won five straight matches in all competitions when the veteran coach took over last month; now, they have lost back-to-back matches.

Despite the loss, OM remain in the race for a European competition spot for next season, trailing fourth-place Lille by four points. Marseille’s next game will be on March 31 in the latest installment of Le Classique against Paris Saint-Germain. 

Rennes snapped a three-game Ligue 1 winless streak and remain within striking distance of a European competition spot for next season. Julien Stéphan and his team also trail Lille by four points, and their next match will be on March 31 against RC Strasbourg.