From weekend to weekend, the so desired second place in Ligue 1 is looking for a lucky winner. One Sunday evening at the boot of Olympique de Marseille, another in the arms of OGC Nice, this dolphin position frolics. And is attracting more and more attention at Stade Rennes.
What you must remember
Lurking in the shadows, the Bretons are waiting for the slightest opportunity – especially the false step of the Marseillais who have been clinging to it for three days now without stopping – to end a day of the championship on the second step of the podium. And while waiting to see if OM will finally trip over the carpet on Sunday against Montpellier at the end of the 31st day, the Rennais have given themselves the means to believe in it by winning on the lawn of Reims (2 -3).
However, it has not always been easy for the Bretons, drowned under the opposing waves in the first half hour and suffocated by Rémois without complexes. Dogan Alemdar saved the day (4th, 25th) and, after this difficult first third, Bruno Genesio’s players finally managed to start the machine. With an express double on two great collective actions, in four minutes top time (39th, 43rd), Benjamin Bourigeaud woke up his partners. Before Martin Terrier scored his 18th goal of the season, and Reims came close to picking up again in the last half hour – goals from Maxime Busi (60th) and Jens Cadjuste (80th), while Alemdar also stopped a penalty shot by Moussa Doumbia (77th).
Undefeated in L1 since February 11 and a trip to Paris (1-0), Stade Rennes temporarily seizes, thanks to a better goal difference than OM (+ 36, against + 20), the second place directly qualifying for the Champions League. And in passing becomes the best attack in the championship with 67 goals ahead of PSG (64). Not insignificant, when it comes to doing the accounts at the end, and awarding this second place which arouses all covetousness.
Player: Benjamin Bourigeaud
Like Rennes, Benjamin Bourigeaud is often lurking in the shadows. In the shadow of Stade Rennes’ formidable duo, Gaëtan Laborde and Martin Terrier (32 goals between them in L1 this season). Rather adept at the right gesture and offerings delivered with both feet, the Breton midfielder, author of his first double of the season, casually delivers an extremely complete season. 8 goals now for “Bourigol”, as he was nicknamed by the broadcaster, to which should be added 11 assists. Solid.
The number: 18
With his 18th goal in the top flight this season, Martin Terrier is the first Rennais to reach this bar in the same Ligue 1 exercise since Alexander Frei, during the 2004-05 season (20).