10-man Rennes complete smash-and-grab win over Marseille
Despite Marseille dominating possession in the early stages of the game, it was Rennes who had the better chances. The high line deployed by the visitors was exposed, notably by Musa Al-Taamari, however, Les Rennais lacked the finishing touch.
Aït Boudlal sent off for clumsy challenge
The odds were then stacked against the home side, as Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal was sent off for a challenge on Amir Murillo, following a consultation with VAR.
OM, who finished second last season in Ligue 1 McDonald's, failed to make their numerical advantage count. Adrien Rabiot came closest for Marseille in the first half. The France international hit the inside of the post with a long-range effort on the stroke of half-time.
Marseille continued to dominate possession in the second half, however, they continued to unlock what was a tight and compact Rennes defence.
Stade Rennais claim their first victory of the 2025/2026 season! 🖤❤️ pic.twitter.com/XYFru452Ka
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) August 15, 2025
The visitors did, nonetheless, strike the post once again. Murillo got his head on the end of a pinpoint cross. His header beat Brice Samba but not the post, as Marseille continued to be frustrated by the hosts.
It was through crosses into the boxes that OM got the most joy. Jonathan Rowe header over at the back post, whilst, in what was OM's first shot on target in the 66th minute, Leonardo Balerdi got on the end of a corner, volleying straight at Samba.
Even the returning Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, making his second OM debut following his return earlier this summer, couldn't unlock the defence, and, with time running out, the Ligue 1 McDonald's curtain raiser looked to be drifting towards a draw.
Super-sub Blas the match-winner
Up stepped Ludovic Blas. The substitute beat OM's high line, latching onto a pinpoint cross-field ball from former Phocéen Quentin Merlin, before beating Geronimo Rulli one-on-one.
Blas' celebration was understated. The same could not be said for Habib Beye on the sidelines, who revelled in what was ultimately a late, late winner.
Blas almost set up a second, teeing up Mahamadou Nagida at the back post. The defender couldn't find the target, but it was ultimately inconsequential as Rennes began their campaign with a win. For the next few hours at least, they sit atop the Ligue 1 McDonald's table. Lens, Lyon, Monaco, Le Havre, Nice, and Toulouse will all have the chance to knock them off their perch on Saturday as the first gameweek of the new season continues.
The stat: 2
For just the second time in the 21st century, Rennes won a game having received a red card in the first half of an encounter. That came in an encounter against PSG back in November 2012, when Benoît Costil was sent off after just 26 minutes. Les Bretons went on to win that game 2-1.
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