Rennes (AFP)

Rennes took an option for the group stage of the Europa Conference Conference by winning 2-0 in the first leg against Norwegians Rosenborg on Thursday at Roazhon Park.

Winners thanks to two headed goals from Nayef Aguerd (15th) and Serhou Guirassy (84th) in front of a half-full stadium, Bruno Genesio's men will however have to be wary of the athletic Norwegian attackers in the return match on August 26 in Trondheim.

The away goal rule no longer exists and Rosenborg coach Age Hareide warned: "At home you can beat anyone".

A new UEFA competition, the Europa League Conference is a major objective for Stade Rennes, which has spent nearly 50 million euros this summer to recruit up to its European ambitions.

"Soyers at the height of your ambitions ... Qualify!", Also warned the large banner of Ultras at the entrance of the players.

From the first exchanges, the Rennes seemed to answer the call by sowing panic in the camp of Rosenborg.

Installed in front of the goal of captain André Hansen, Bruno Genesio's men created several chances, even forcing the Norwegian goalkeeper to a double save against Baptiste Santamaria, the defensive midfielder who arrived Tuesday from Friborg and already holder, then Nayef Aguerd (8th ).

And it was Aguerd who was the first to find the way to the net: after a work of recovery from Santamaria, on a back pass from Jérémy Doku, Benjamin Bourigeaud delivered a millimeter center for the head of the Moroccan central defender (1-0 , 15th).

Nayef Aguerd launched Stade Rennais to victory against Norwegians Rosenborg at Roazhon Park on August 19, 2021 LOIC VENANCE AFP

And this time around, no equalizer in the minutes that followed, as Rennes experienced in their first two Ligue 1 matches against Lens and Brest, both of which ended in disappointing 1-1.

- Guirassy doubles the stake -

Despite a tendency to return the pass to 10 at the back and some technical approximations, the Rennais kept up the pressure.

Aguerd was not far from doubling the bet on yet another corner (28th).

Opposite, Alfred Gomis had to wait until the end of the first period to be called upon, on a shot from Edvard Tagseth (36th) then a free kick from Stefano Vecchia (40th).

But it was hot on a low center of Even Hovland who did not find a taker (61st).

Because Rennes were slow to materialize their domination, like Jérémy Doku, always impressive in speed and power, and still just as clumsy in the last move.

Thus, the young Belgian winger, recovering the ball in the Rennes camp, demonstrated to erase three opponents ... and stop at the entrance to the area for a harmless back pass (61st).

At the end of a more muddled second period, which saw the Norwegians gain momentum, the entry into play of Serhou Guirassy revived the Rennes attack.

Rennes striker Serhou Guirassy author of Rennes' second goal against Rosenborg at Roazhon Park, August 19, 2021 LOIC VENANCE AFP

After several alerts, Guirassy doubled the lead on a magnificent center from Bourigeaud, an almost identical copy of his goal against Brest last Sunday in the league (2-0, 84th).

By cheering the players at the end of the match, the supporters also reminded them that before the return match, they were expected at this level during the derby against Nantes on Sunday in the league.

For this match, the stadium will be full.

© 2021 AFP