2023-11-26 20:29:57
The joy of the Rennais. LOU BENOIST / AFP
Stade Rennais beat Reims (3-1) this Sunday for the 13th day of the championship.
The Julien Stéphan effect? Back on the Rennes bench, the French coach led his men to victory this Sunday afternoon against a well-ranked Reims (3-1). In difficulty before the international break, Steve Mandanda’s teammates reacted and moved up to 10th place in the ranking thanks to this important success, five lengths from their opponent from Champagne who remains 5th.
The return of Julien Stéphan could not have started better. Forgotten the 4-4-2 dear to Bruno Genesio, Stade Rennais started the match in a unique 3-4-3, Bourigeaud and Truffert livening up the corridors. From the 4th minute, the first city took a corner victoriously taken by Gouiri after a billiard shot in the area (1-0, 4th). A well-timed goal to chase away doubts from Roazhon Park, very close to seeing Kalimuendo score 2-0 in front of Diouf (10th). Beaten in the impact and uninspired offensively, the Rémois nevertheless dominated possession of the ball without worrying Mandanda, who was still saved by a save from Belocian (21st). Very present but fragile, Rennes fell back over the minutes until the punishment occurred just before the break. Alone at six meters, Diakité headed a cross from Ito to score, with a header, a goal validated by the video (1-1, 45+2nd). On its first opportunity, Reims hit the mark and seemed able to materialize its superiority after returning from the locker room.
Bourigeaud punishes the Rémois
But Stéphan’s men surprised everyone by going back in front from the start of the second half. At the conclusion of a superb three-way game with Gouiri and Terrier, the fallen captain Bourigeaud gave the advantage back to the Bretons (2-1, 46th), definitely at ease on the starts. Surprised a second time, Reims pushed to come back but neither Teuma (56th) nor Abdelhamid (61st) this time deceived Mandanda. United in defense, the Rennais shone with their efficiency by scoring the third goal on the second shot on target after the break. Served by Bourigeaud, Theate deceived Diouf with a header (3-1, 65th), taking advantage of the omission of Reims marking.
Mass was said in this meeting which ended with a rhythm interrupted by mistakes. Lacking juice, like Ito, Will Still’s team was never able to reverse the trend and lost for the second consecutive time in the championship. The good operation is for Rennes who are full of confidence before facing Maccabi Haifa on Thursday in the Europa League. The Rouge et Noir claim their third victory in Ligue 1 and take a breather in the standings. The club and Julian Stéphan really needed it to start a new cycle with serenity.
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