Very ambitious, with a declared desire to "do better" than their fourth place last spring, the Pinault family club was defeated on their lawn after an own goal from rookie Arthur Theate (66th), on which a another newcomer, Steve Mandanda, couldn't do anything.
Bruno Genesio's men will not have everything to throw away: like last season, the Rennais were dominating (64% possession).
But this time, they lacked the offensive success that was their strength during the previous exercise, despite 20 shots attempted!
The waste is nevertheless explained by the capital performance of the last bulwark of Lorient Yvon Mvogo, who arrived this summer from RB Leipzig and author of a very successful first, with decisive stops in front of Gaëtan Laborde (14th) and Jérémy Doku (90th + 4).
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Rennes top scorer last year (21 goals), Martin Terrier did not find the target (50th, 54th).
The Rennes block especially lacked surprises in its orientations, like a particularly smug Lovro Majer in his game, and guilty of gestures without interest for the collective.
The people of Lorient were able to contain the Rennes attacks, in particular by blocking the corridors.
And, by perfectly exploiting the few offensive blows, with in particular a wisp named Armand Laurienté, very mobile.
For his first on an L1 bench, coach Régis Le Bris saw his team hold their web, woven to thwart Rennes' attacking force.
These three entry points above all reassure the Morbihan club on its new project, with its young technician and a brand new defense.
Precious, with a view to maintenance.
In the Rennes camp, this initial hiccup is obviously not prohibitive but it will be necessary to react quickly.
In Monaco, the challenge is daunting from next week.
© 2022 AFP