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The clash: Rennes-PSG

After the rebound, the confirmation?

Defeated for the first time this season in Ligue 1 at Lens (3-1), Paris Saint-Germain returned to victory against Angers on Wednesday (2-0), finding in passing the recent world champion Leo Messi, scorer for the occasion.

Against Rennes on Sunday (8:45 p.m.), the capital club could even reconstitute for the first time since the resumption of the championship its trio of stars Messi-Neymar-Mbappé, because the French striker returned to training on Thursday.

It is therefore a question of continuing for the players of Christophe Galtier, just before leaving Tuesday for Qatar then Saudi Arabia, where they will play a gala match against a selection of the best players from Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr, who should cause a new Messi-Ronaldo duel.

The expected return of the "MNM" is very bad news for Stade Rennes, in a phase of post-World Cup depression after an ideal first half of the season.

The Bretons took over the championship with a defeat against Reims (3-1), then lost again against Clermont (2-1), teams that were a priori inferior.

Two failures interspersed with a single victory, against Nice (2-1).

Ligue 1, ranking of the 2022-2023 season after 18 days © Vincent LEFAI / AFP

Rennes therefore lost third place and their top scorer Martin Terrier, who was apparently absent until the end of the season after rupturing the cruciate ligaments in his right knee.

Stakes, uncertainties, stars ... This duel has everything of a summit, which will conclude the 19th day of Ligue 1.

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The player: Lois Openda

If Lens is having a magnificent season, the club owes it in part to its top scorer, the Belgian Loïs Openda, who will still be its main weapon against Auxerre on Saturday (5:00 p.m.), in the match that will kick off this weekend. end of football in the elite.

The 22-year-old is currently eighth top scorer in the League, just ahead of... Leo Messi.

His nine goals scored since the start of the season have brought the northern club 17 points, further proof of his impact.

Belgian striker from RC Lens Loïs Openda (N.11) congratulated by his teammates after his goal against Paris at Bollaert, January 1, 2023 © FRANCOIS LO PRESTI / AFP / Archives

Lens had to pay ten million euros to convince Club Brugge to let him go, but it is a paying choice.

The striker is also good in big games, like when he scored a goal and provided an assist in the resounding victory against Paris Saint-Germain (3-1).

He also scored against Monaco (4-1) and Rennes (2-1) at the start of the season.

A very generous player in effort, quick and author of good calls, he joined Frank Haise's collective after a short period of adaptation.

His good season also allowed him to be retained with the Red Devils to compete in the 2022 World Cup.

A new step in his ascent, before a flamboyant second half of the season?

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The figure: 39 points

Never in the 21st century has Olympique de Marseille collected so many points after 18 days, according to Opta.

In the entire history of the club, it has only even happened two other times: in the 1990-91 and 1998-99 seasons, when they had 41 points at the same stage.

The Marseillais remain on a victory in Troyes, thanks in particular to a goal from Chancel Mbemba (in the center), July 11, 2023 © FRANCOIS NASCIMBENI / AFP / Archives

These figures are all evidence of the fine performance of the Olympians.

They also reinforce their trainer, Igor Tudor, much criticized on his arrival, who finally convinces by dint of positive results.

The Marseille coach was able to straighten out his team after a catastrophic month of October (three defeats and a draw).

Since then, she has had five successes, including one against Olympique Lyonnais (1-0) and another against Monaco (3-2).

His team scores a lot, it is even the second best attack in the championship (36 goals) behind the untouchable "MNM" of PSG (48).

Third in Ligue 1, the Marseillais have widened a gap of five points in front of Rennes, and are in a good position to obtain their ticket for the next Champions League.

They could even steal second place from Lens at the end of this day, in the event of victory against Lorient on Saturday (7:00 p.m.), and defeat for the Northerners.

© 2023 AFP