Ligue 1 McDonald’s, Round 7, 05/10/24

The day after club president Olivier Cloarec’s dismissal, Rennes hosted second-placed Monaco to climb up the Ligue 1 standings before the international break. Meanwhile, the Principality side could go top of the league before PSG’s trip to Nice. Following a pre-game tribute to Benjamin Bourigeaud, Rennes conceded right away with Thilo Kehrer heading in Eliesse Ben Seghir’s inswinging corner kick.

The visitors had little time to relish their lead, but little could they do to prevent Ludovic Blas from lashing a magnificent left-footed missile in Philipp Köhn’s top right corner. As they did against PSG last week at the Parc des Princes, the Bretons pressed high up the pitch, which exposed them to Monaco’s counter-attacks. The brilliant Ben Seghir threaded a delicate through-ball to Folarin Balogun, who outfoxed Leo Østigård before dinking past Steve Mandanda with a confident finish.

Rennes were statistically the most enterprising team in the first half, but Monaco’s ruthlessness and better individual quality made the difference. On a rain-soaked pitch, Rennes were more in control in the second half with Monaco players also feeling the strain of their midweek Champions League away game at Zagreb (2-2). But Julien Stéphan’s players were well too wasteful to threaten Köhn.

Despite the late introduction of marquee signing Jota, Rennes eventually conceded back-to-back Ligue 1 games and their fourth defeat in seven matches. With the international break looming and several changes of personnel afoot at the club, it might have been Stéphan’s final game in the Rennes dugout. As for Monaco, they remain unbeaten and are now top of the league before PSG’s trip to Nice.

Rennes players ratings

Steve Mandanda, 3

He conceded from Monaco’s first two shots on target and was uncomfortable through and through, lacking in authority in his penalty box and error-strewn in his distribution.

Alidu Seidu, 5

Leo Ostigard, 3

The former Napoli centre-back already had a torrid time last week dealing with Bradley Barcola and he disappointed again at home. He misplaced too many passes and was too easily beaten by Balogun for the centre-forward’s goal.

Mikayil Faye, 4

Hans Hateboer, 4

Azor Matusiwa, 5

Glen Kamara, 5

Adrien Truffert, 4

Ludovic Blas, 6

Arnaud Kalimuendo, 3

Expertly handled by Monaco’s three-man defense, he made little difference. Struck Köhn’s right post in the second half. Overall, not enough.

Albert Gronbaek, N/A

The Danish playmaker hobbled off the pitch before half-time, replaced by Algeria international Amine Gouiri.

Monaco players ratings

Philipp Köhn, 5

Wilfried Singo, 6

Thilo Kehrer, 6

Christian Mawissa, 5

Vanderson, 5

Lamine Camara, 6

Denis Zakaria, 6

The Switzerland international has arguably been so far the best overall Ligue 1 midfielder and he picked up where he left off in Brittany, winning the ball back numerous times, setting the press and dictating the pace of the game.

Kassoum Ouattara, 5

Takumi Minamino, 4

Folarin Balogun, 6

To his credit, the USMNT centre-forward made the most of the first clear goalscoring opportunity coming his way, which means he has now scored in Monaco’s last three league games. Other than that, he had a mostly unimpressive evening, until his replacement through injury.

Eliesse Ben Seghir, 7

The Morocco international shone through and was essential to his side’s victory, logging the assists for the visitors’ first two goals. He could also have had a goal to his name but his second-half curler could only find Mandanda’s crossbar. Replaced at the hour mark by Aleksandr Golovin.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval, reporting from Roazhon Park