The 1-0 scoreline was already frustrating, but left the door wide open for qualification, but the second goal was a game-changer for qualification.

And it is quite symptomatic of the clumsiness that has too often inhabited the Bretons with two interventions by Nayef Aguerd, then Warmed Omari, who came back at the feet of the opponents instead of cutting short the opposing counter-attack.

Kelechi Iheanacho finally found himself in a position to wrap his shot and deceive Alfred Gomis when we had been playing for more than two minutes in added time (2-0, 90+3).

Rennes players, after conceding the second goal on the field of Leicester, during the round of 16 first leg of the Europa League Conference, March 10, 2022 Oli SCARFF AFP

The result is all the more infuriating as Rennes had started the match really well.

Compact, to leave no space for his opponent, fluid in the circulation of the ball, the Bretons had proved that they did not have to be ashamed of the comparison with a club accustomed to competing for the Champions League places in the Premier League. , even if this season is more complicated.

They were even the first dangerous with a ball which reached Benjamin Bourigeaud, slightly off center in the area but, instead of hitting the goal, the midfielder preferred to center hard in front of the goal and the ball was not touched by anyone .

Cruel lack of realism

A bad choice quite characteristic of Rennes' offensive limits in the evening.

Just before the break, on a skillful withdrawal from Gaëtan Laborde, Jonas Martin, in the middle and at the entrance to the surface, but on his bad foot, sent the ball into the sky (43rd).

Nothing went their way, not even the refereeing with a penalty that could have been whistled for a handball from Çaglar Söyünçü (53rd).

Bruno Genesio's men also seemed to finish the match better than their opponents, with a cross shot from Martin Terrier repelled by Kasper Schmeichel (74th) and Flavien Tait, 20 meters in front of goal, who had just missed the target (79th ).

Rennes midfielder Flavien Tait shoots in the middle of Leicester defenders, during the round of 16 first leg of the Europa League Conference, on March 10, 2022 at the King Power Stadium Oli SCARFF AFP

Defensively, Rennes had also conceded very few chances to their opponent, even if Leicester without Jamie Vardy, hit in the knee and who will not be there for the return either, is less threatening.

It even took brilliant action from the English to open the scoring.

On a fine overflow from Harvey Barnes, the striker's center back had arrived at the opposite end to Marc Albrighton, launched, who struck heartily and without control of the right to find the left corner of Alfred Gomis (1 -0, 30th).

Leicester midfielder Marc Albrighton opens the scoring at home against Rennes in the round of 16 first leg of the Europa League Conference, March 10, 2022 Oli SCARFF AFP

But, apart from a pivot strike in the area of ​​Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (56th), there was not much to put to the Foxes' assets.

Until the last counter of the match...

At Roazhon Park, with an atmosphere that will undoubtedly be less polished than that of the King Power Stadium on Thursday evening, Rennes can still believe in their chances, but they will have to be much more precise and efficient in both areas.

© 2022 AFP