The Rennais can consider themselves lucky. Less sharp than usual, the Bretons were able to count on a great Steve Mandanda and a goal from Bourigeaud to snatch the draw against Lille (1-1) this Sunday during the 14th day of Ligue 1 and put an end to a series of five consecutive victories. In the standings, Bruno Genesio’s men remain third, five points behind Lens, runner-up to PSG, who won against Angers on Saturday (1-2).
Defensively abused by a very offensive Losc team (18 shots, seven on target), Martin Terrier’s teammates conceded the first goal of the game through Fonte on a corner from Angel Gomes (16th). They then equalized thanks to the inevitable Benjamin Bourigeaud, author of his second goal in the elite this season with a strike from the right (58th).
Mandanda on fire
And if the Rennais were able to grab the draw, it was undoubtedly thanks to a huge Steve Mandanda. Impassable (six parades), the French international repelled attempts by Cabella (24th), Weah (36th) or even Jonathan David (39th, 67th). He was also saved twice by his uprights in front of the Canadian striker (71st, 72nd).
Despite the exclusion of Birger Meling, guilty of a big foul on Adam Ounas, at the end of the game (89th), the Rennais held on and chained a 16th match without defeat in all competitions, which is a record. They have not known defeat since August 27 against Lens (1-2).