After three draws against Lens, Le Havre and Brest, Rennes confirmed a feverishness already seen in defence, with two goals conceded following free kicks, but also difficulties in the offensive animation, often sterile and without solution in depth.

Only the late reaction of Rennes, who managed to get a draw in pain at the end of a very badly started meeting, can give a little optimism to Bruno Genesio before starting his European campaign in the Europa League on Thursday, at home against Maccabi Haifa, then moving to Montpellier.

Lille for its part initially gave the impression of having reassured itself on its defensive base, wavering at the beginning of the season, as during the slap suffered in Lorient (4-1). It ended up cracking despite the first start of the experienced Samuel Umtiti, beaten on the first Rennes goal.

A match long closed

Not totally reassured by its short victory against Montpellier (1-0) on the last day, Lille was therefore cautious, like its goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier taking all his time to restart at the foot. Sometimes too much, as when he failed to be surprised by Désiré Doué (7th), very moving but still too messy, in a match that has long remained closed.

It was on a set piece that Lille finally managed to find the fault by going over aggressive defenses. Remy Cabella, with a beautiful dipped ball, offered a caviar to the young defender Leny Yoro. Recently called up with the French hopes at only 17 years old, Yoro scored his first goal in Ligue 1 with an unstoppable volley (34th).

Lille players celebrate their second goal during the L1 match between Stade Rennais FC and LOSC at the Roazhon Park stadium in Rennes, September 16, 2023 © Sebastien SALOM-GOMIS / AFP

Always as nervous, Rennes were quick to put themselves in danger in the second half on a bad pass from Omari in his area. Only a beautiful one-handed parry from Mandanda prevented Yacizi from finding the skylight (60th).

However, the punishment was not long in coming for Stade Rennais, still overtaken on a set piece. Despite another save from Mandanda, denying Yoro a double, Diakité scored the second goal of the game after a free kick (62nd).

Chevalier, under pressure after a risky backpass, offered on his clearance a ball that Assignon, after beating Umtiti, managed to put in the back of the net despite a very closed angle (74th). An opportunistic goal synonymous with hope.

Assignon then proved decisive once again by finding Ibrahim Salah, author of a good entry. His powerful strike, deflected by Yoro, allowed Genesio's men to snatch the equaliser (90th), and avoid their first defeat of the season.

© 2023 AFP