Rennes dominate in derby win over Nantes

Stade Rennais dominate at Stade de Beaujoire to win against local rivals Nantes and re-launch a potential last-minute bid for the highly-coveted final European spot. Meanwhile, Nantes suffered an eighth defeat in succession at home as they slipped back into danger near the bottom of the Ligue 1 Uber Eats table.

The first half was a quiet affair in a tight match between the two western rivals as Les Canaris looked to get on the ball, but they did very little with possession as Julien Stéphan’s side set up to hit Nantes on the counter attack.

Les Rouge et Noir came the closest to opening the scoring in a first period which looked bereft of goalscoring action, as a fantastic solo-run from Desiré Doué ended with a strike that was tipped onto the post by Alban Lafont, almost crossing the line as it bounced out of play for a corner.

Kalimuendo makes the breakthrough…

Arnaud Kalimuendo finally opened the scoring mid-way through the second half, as Ludovic Blas and Guela Doué combined well down the right side with the latter providing an inch-perfect cross for the former PSG man to finish first-time with a curling strike past Lafont (60′). It was Kalimuendo’s 2nd goal against Nantes, to add to his two assists already in the derby since joining Rennes last season.

Kalimuendo was involved once again as he was played through on goal by Benjamin Bourigeaud, with Lafont bringing down the striker and a penalty given for the Breton side. It was a 10th penalty given to Stéphan’s side this season, which was duly converted by Bourigead (77′). With a two-goal lead, the game looked increasingly more difficult for Antoine Koumbaré‘s side to claw their way back but Steven Mandanda was called upon to make a fine save to deny Mustafa Mohamed from close range.

Desiré Doué, who was the player with most successful dribbles in the game (8), capped off a fantastic performance with an assist to tee-up Amine Gouiri for a third goal for Rennes at the end of the game (90+1′).

THE STAT – No Beaujoire joy for Les Canaris

Stade Rennais completed their fourth straight derby win over Nantes. Meanwhile, Les Canaris have become the fourth club to suffer eight straight defeats at home after FC Metz (2017), Nîmes Olympique (2020 & 2021) and Toulouse (2022).

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