Multiplex: Big wins for Rennes and Toulouse and more
Match Reports
After an early match full of late drama in Lyon, the Matchday 24 multiplex in Ligue 1 McDonald's was less thrilling, but saw standout attacking performances from Rennes and Toulouse, while Strasbourg picked up a vital win in Auxerre to stay in the mix for the European places.
Rampant Rennes
Rennes' struggles of a few months ago look to be a thing of the past as they won for the fourth time in five Ligue 1 McDonald's matches. Academy product Djaoui Cissé was the main man in midfield, turning in an all-action display and scoring his side's second goal just before the hour. The first had come from Séko Fofana, the Ivorian curling home a loose ball just after the midway point of the second half, ensuring that struggling Montpellier would have another long day at the office.
In the second half, Arnaud Kalimuendo (11 goals) and Ludovic Blas also got in on the action, getting a 4-0 win that lifts the Bretons nine points clear of Le Havre in sixteenth. As for La Paillade, they lost their fifth straight, and are now five back of the Normandy side before a daunting trip to Lille next weekend.
What an impact by the 21 years old Djaouri Cissé! 🇫🇷🇲🇱
5️⃣ matches as starter in a row
⭐️ First pro goal
😱 Playing in 5th division before
🙌 Same talent factory as Camavinga or Dembélé pic.twitter.com/E8ZaSrC3SX— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) March 2, 2025
Toulouse hit four in second half to beat Angers
Another two sides looking to put an end to any real relegation worry were Angers and Toulouse. The hosts were three points behind Les Violets ahead of the afternoon's action, but that margin would be stretched to six following a heavy win by Carles Martínez Novell's side in Brittany.
After a scoreless first half, the visitors sprung to life, getting goals from each of Frank Magri, Vincent Sierro, Charlie Cresswell and teenager Noah Edjouma to record an impressive 4-0 win that sees them intriguingly within striking distance of the top six as they now sit just six points behind Lyon before a tough pair of matches against Monaco and Strasbourg.
Ten-man Racing hold on in Auxerre
Facing an Auxerre side who had lost just once at home all season, Liam Rosenior's Racing side would have their work cut out for them in Burgundy, but managed to hold on for their fourth clean sheet in a row, with Dorde Petrovic the hero. The Chelsea loanee made five saves to preserve his side's 1-0 win, ensuring that Emanuel Emegha's goal early in the second half was all that was needed to help Racing stay within two points of Lyon for the final European spot.
The win was achieved despite captain Habib Diarra being forced off through injury in the first half, and Racing's own normally potent attack stuttering at times. Diarra's replacement, youngster Abdoul Ouattara, was impressive indeed, turning in a dynamic performance and also setting up Emegha for the goal. But the real star of the show was Petrovic, whose reflex save in added time in the second half helped preserve the result. Manager Rosenior was quick to praise the Croatian post-match, saying, "(He) is getting better every day... He is only 25 years old and will become a great player."
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