Nice (AFP)

Rennes, still 3rd in the championship with 37 points, did not manage to win in Nice on Friday evening (1-1) to put pressure on Marseille, at the start of the 21st day of Ligue 1.

After losing at home to OM (1-0) after the winter break, Stade Rennais certainly lost two new points in the podium race, but above all managed to equalize at the end of the match in Nice.

However, Julien Stéphan's men were very enterprising on the Côte d'Azur. But especially after the break, once they have been led to the mark.

While the first period was balanced and open, the Gym quickly scored after the break. Gerzino came into play in the first period in place of Chris Maouassa (27th), victim of a breakdown, was launched by a deep pass from Herelle

Overflowing, the former Dijonnais then served Kasper Dolberg perfectly. The Dane did not miss the offering to register his 6th goal in L1 with Nice (1-0, 47th).

From then on, Rennes took the match in hand. Mbaye Niang saw his attempt repelled by the crossbar (64th). Jérémy Rorel, for his part, forced Walter Benitez to a good stop (69th).

Little inspired in cons, the Aiglons, too defensive, did not hold. A loss of ball from Alexis Claude-Maurice in the middle of the field turned into a counter for the Bretons. Against at the end of which, Flavien Tait beat Benitez with a beautiful volley from the left in the area (1-1, 81st).

Strengthened by this late equalization, the Rennes could breathe. Because the first period had been of a good level but energy consuming.

Voluntary, the Gym quickly proved to be dominant. In a modular 4-3-3 with Danilo who was often inserted in the middle, Patrick Vieira's men created many great opportunities for themselves. In particular by Alexis Claude-Maurice (16th and 19th) and Kasper Dolberg (33rd).

But each time, the Aiglons lacked realism and promptness. Like the Rennais moreover, with a very good Raphinha (11th and 45th) and a dangerous Niang (26th and 32nd).

In the end, this draw does not help either Rennes, who will move to Angers in the Cup before receiving Nantes next weekend, or Nice, which stagnates with 29 points, before receiving Lyon twice (in Cup, then in L1 ).

Results of the 21st day:

Friday

Nice - Rennes 1 - 1

Saturday

(5.30 p.m.) Marseille - Angers

(8 p.m.) Saint-Etienne - Nîmes

Brest - Amiens

Reims - Metz

Montpellier - Dijon

Monaco - Strasbourg

Sunday

(3:00 p.m.) Lyon - Toulouse

(5:00 p.m.) Nantes - Bordeaux

(9:00 p.m.) Lille - Paris SG

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