Multiplex: Simon the hero in Nantes and more
Match Reports
Just as it looked as if the two Ligue 1 McDonald's matches in Sunday's "multiplex" were heading towards goalless ends, the Breton derby between Stade Rennais and FC Nantes sprang to life with a dramatic late ending including a spectacular goal from the hosts' Moses Simon.
No love lost at the Beaujoire
Breton derbies are always spicy affairs, and this match between a pair of under-pressure sides was no exception. Nantes have struggled against relegation all season under club legend Antoine Kombouaré all season, while considerable player churn in the summer saw Rennes dismiss Julien Stéphan in favor of firebrand Jorge Samapoli. Rennes were riding high after a big win over Saint-Étienne last weekend, but as in any derby the form guide (and the table) were to be immaterial.
Nantes, with Patrik Carlgren keeping his place in goal, were under pressure in the first half, as the Swede was forced into several saves, and even with Rennes defender Mikhail Faye was sent off early in the second half, the visitors continued to press for a goal. Amine Gouiri forced a diving save from Carlgren, who also kept out a long-range effort from Ludovic Blas.
The match seemed to be settled, though, when Simon held off three defenders and arrowed a shot into the top corner to give his side the lead with three minutes remaining. There was more to come, however, as Christopher Wooh looked to have headed Rennes level at a corner, only for VAR to rule it out. Sampaoli was apoplectic and joined Faye in being sent off, but the result stood, pulling Nantes out of the bottom three and leaving them level with their rivals on 14 points.
Crazy Breton Derby ending 😱
⏱️ 88’: Nantes 1-0 Rennes
⏱️ 94’: Nantes 1-1 Rennes
⏱️ 96’: Rennes’ goal disallowed
⏱️ 96’: Red Card for Sampaoli pic.twitter.com/IY3jZ07zim— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) December 8, 2024
A sound display from Strasbourg
Things have been difficult for RC Strasbourg of late -- Liam Rosenior's Alsatians hadn't picked up any points in the league since October, and while they had faced some strong opponents, including each of the top two in AS Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain in that spell, there was a sense of unease ahead of the club's last home match of the season. Their opponents on the evening, Reims, have been in better form, and were hoping for a win to push for a place in Europe.
Despite their struggles in form, Racing were happy to welcome back Emanuel Emegha from a knee injury, and the young Dutchman started a match for the first time in more than a month. It was his goalkeeper who would have the first involvement of the match, though, as Dorde Petrovic made a fine reflex save to keep out Keito Nakamura in the first minutes of the match. From there, the match became a chippy affair, with both sides not giving an inch, as Dilane Bakwa spurned a good chance on the counter just before the break.
Racing grew into the match in the second half, though, and Bakwa twice tested Yehvann Diouf from range. he hosts were even close to a winner as substitute Jérémy Sebas hit the bar shortly after coming on, but it wasn't to be and the match ended goalless, with a clean sheet that was the hosts' first since September. In their final league matches of the calendar year, Racing will travel to Le Havre next weekend, while Reims will host AS Monaco.
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