Ligue 1 (20th day). Lorient FC – Stade Rennais: 2-1
Although cut off from Terem Moffi at the start and until then his offensive locomotive (12 goals in 18 games), the FCL won the derby, offering themselves and the second success against Rennes this season, after that at Roazhon Park during of the first day (1-0)!
Ponceau’s teammates, very interesting in the maneuver, won the game after having completely asphyxiated the Bretillian one during the first act. For the third time in a row, Bruno Genesio had chosen to present his eleven with three reserved defenses. In a 5-4-1 system, therefore.
Winners of PSG (1-0), then defeated in Marseille in the Coupe de France (0-1), Bourigeaud’s partners are not yet well settled. The raises are getting closer as well as the calls in the back of the line of axial three testified to it.
After a misunderstanding between Truffert and Theate, Mandanda had to work on Théo Le Bris’ first try (11′). The Rennais quickly cracked on a corner from Merlus. The Fairy served Talbi, totally alone at the far post. His header just in place gave the advantage to the locals on a calamitous lawn (13 ‘).
The Bretilliens were sorely lacking in bite, the Lorientais, always players, took advantage of it, especially in the heart of the game. Reciting their lesson well, the FCL was on top in terms of energy and desire. Abergel’s rage at each ball won was the best indicator. The second goal for Merlus comes logically with Ponceau, who sent Le Bris to deceive Mandanda with a heavy shot from the left (30′). Koné missed the knockout against the goalkeeper (37′), having slipped away from Rennes once again.
Three changes from Rennes at the break
Annoyed by these collective and individual mistakes, the Rennes coach made three changes at the break. Santamaria, Tait and Sulemana came on, which generated a return to 4-4-2, Doué then Sulemana playing as a false playmaker behind Gouiri. Lorient was obviously jostled by Rennais finally more concentrated and more active, in a pattern… controlled.
Sulemana came up against Mannone (67′). Tait was at the conclusion of a nice game of support / delivery between Bourigeaud and Traoré to restore suspense at the end of the evening (73 ‘).
Rennes was then very pressing on the Lorient defense. Sulemana, who could join the Premier League by January 31, played it too personal (77′), then the equalizer appeared there…
Having completely dispossessed the Lorient people of the ball, the Rennais exercised pressure at all times, showing a totally different face from the first act. And Mannone slammed Gouiri’s head to save the win (90′)! Genesio will undoubtedly have, this time, remembered that his group does not master the 3-4-3. Next week, the two teams should display many different faces, in the game as well as in the names checked off on the match sheet (Toko-Ekambi, Dieng…).
The transfer window of the two Breton formations is far from over. At Moustoir on Friday, as a good site manager, Lorient was able to lay the props in the first period and then show solidity. Rennes tried to lay the foundations far too late to build more than a defeat.