Recap: Lille celebrate 80th anniversary in style against Rennes
Match Reports
Edon Zhegrova's strike on the 45th minute was enough to seal all three points for Lille against Rennes.
Lille celebrated their 80th anniversary in style as Les Dogues came out as 1-0 victors over Rennes thanks to an Edon Zhegrova's strike just before half-time. It would be a defeat for Jorge Sampaoli's return to Ligue 1 since his stint with Olympique de Marseille.
Bruno Génésio had to make several changes ahead of the game, with Rémy Cabella coming in to start in the attacking areas with Jonathan David and Edon Zhegrova. Meanwhile, Sampoali began proceedings with 3-4-3, lining up with Albert Gronbaek, Arnaud Kalimuendo, and Amine Gouiri in attack. Yet, the Argentine coach had to make his first change early on, with Alidu Seidu's injury prompting the introduction of Mikael Faye.
Bakker came with the first chance of the game when he volleyed Rémy Cabella's cross just wide of Mandanda's post. Edon Zhegrova got in on the act with his left foot and took a strike, but Mandanda was on his toes to save well with his feet. The Kosovon would go on better just before half-time. After a mix-up in the Rennes defence, Zhegrova picked up the ball in the box and provided a devastating finish to put the hosts a goal up (45').
At the start of the second half, Sampaoli brought on James for Kamara to try to get back into the game. Yet it was a struggle, with Lille's Zhegrova getting as many shots on target as the away side as the second half wore on.
Lille's young Belgian winger Fernandez-Pardo came on for Les Lillois, and he would get involved right away, claiming a handball offence by Hateboer. Yet after a VAR check, no penalty was awarded and the referee's initial decision was upheld. LOSC would go on to easily see out the game and claim a good three points ahead of their next Champions League test against Bologna next week. Meanwhile, it was a debut to forgot for new Rennes boss Sampaoli, as Les Rouges et Noirs haven't won since the 25th October against Le Havre.
THE STAT: ELEVEN
Lille are unbeaten in their last eleven games in all competitions after having lost each of their previous four. Meanwhile, Rennes have just eleven points after 12 Ligue 1 games in the 2024-2025 games which is their lowest tally at this stage of the season in the top-flight since 2002-2003.
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