Match Report: Jota makes Ligue 1 debut as Rennes dominate Montpellier

Rennes got back to winning ways against Montpellier at Roazhon Park to grab their second victory of the season against a still-winless Hérault side. The Breton side opened the game with more of the ball, and got their just rewards when Ludovic Blas opened the scoring with a clever low-driven freekick on the edge of the box teed up by Albert Grønbæk (24'). After an initial effort to try and get back into the game, Le Rouge et Noir would grab a second only ten minutes later: this time Lorenz Assignon provided an inch-perfect cross from the right side for Arnaud Kalimuendo to head home and double the Breton side's lead (35').

Full of confidence, Julien Stéphan's men would see out the first half despite several forays forward from Montpellier striker Akor Adams as Mandanda had to be called upon on several occasions. It included a final chance before the end of the second half for the Hérault side via Teji Savanier, whose strike from 25 yards had to be saved by Mandanda.

Montpellier would threaten again at the start of the second half, as Akor Adams poked home from a long-range freekick, but the goal would be ruled out by VAR for an offside. Frustration at a key moment in the affair, and it would prove to be fateful for the away side. Rennes completed their dominance with a third goal by the hour-mark, as Albert Grønbæk turned from provider to finisher: weaving the ball past several Montpellier defenders on the edge of the box and finishing low into the back of the net (60').

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With a convincing lead very much secured on the part of the home side, Stéphan would give a Ligue 1 debut to new signing,  Portuguese winger Jota. The former Celtic man enjoyed a relatively calm first 30 minutes for Rennes, who saw out the final phases of the game with relative ease. They almost made it a fourth in injury time, after Amine Gouiri and Jota almost latched onto Jordan James' parried shot, but the pair would get in each other's way.

Yet it would remain 3-0 by the final whistle, as Michel Der Zakarian's side continue a concerning start to the season, whilst Rennes pick up their second win of the season (and at home).

REACTION:

"It looked like we played with a  lot more freedom today, the atmosphere was really good today. My connection with Ludovic Blas is really good, it's really nice and we have to keep this going in future games" - Rennes attacker, Albert Grønbæk.

THE STAT: Unlucky 13

Montpellier became the first team to concede 13 goals after four Ligue 1 matches since Strasbourg in the 2000-2001 season. Leaky.

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