Meïté brace caps stunning late Rennes comeback against Lyon

Olympique Lyonnais looked set to maintain their unbeaten start, but Rennes produced a breathtaking finish to claim a dramatic 3-1 victory thanks to a brace from 17-year old Kader Meïté.

Stade Rennais welcomed Lyon to Roahzon Park to close the weekend's Ligue 1 McDonald's on a rainy Sunday night in the Breton capital. Habib Beye's men were looking to bounce back from a loss to Angers before the international break, whilst OL hoped to continue their promising unbeaten start to the season. Les Rouge et Noir lined up with new deadline day signing Breel Embolo up front with Esteban Lepaul, whilst Tyler Morton kept his spot for OL after a promising start to the season with Les Gones.

The away side quickly opened the scoring thanks to a looping header from Corentin Tolisso after Ainsley Maitland-Niles provided a pinpoint cross from the right side (13'). This marked the Frenchman's second goal of the Ligue 1 season, after his opener against Metz in August.

Despite Rennes’ initial spark in the opening minutes, Lyon began to dominate the ball. Khalis Merah came close twice but was denied by impressive saves from Rennes keeper Samba - including one major chance one-on-one with the Frenchman. Rennes made tactical adjustments at halftime, switching to a 4-4-2 with the introduction of Al-Tamari and Seidu, but Lyon continued to manage the game effectively. Yet the game would be turned on its head when Charlie Morton was shown a harsh red card after sliding and stopping Kader Meïté on the counter-attack.

Late, late drama at Roahzon park 

Just minutes following, Rennes would get right back into the game. After a corner saw Jacquet initially blocked by Tolisso on the line, Rouault followed up and scored for Rennes, pushing the ball into the net with the outside of his foot. Following a lengthy VAR review for potential offsides and a collision in the box, referee Ruddy Buquet confirmed the goal (80').

The drama escalated deep into stoppage time. In the 90+3rd minute, Kader Meïté scored twice to complete a stunning turnaround. First, he struck from a tight angle following a Lyon defensive lapse, the ball deflecting past Descamps for 2-1 (90+3'). Moments later, Al-Tamari’s cross found Meïté, who powered a header home to seal 3-1 for Rennes (90+6'). Roazhon Park erupted as the home side completed one of the most remarkable finishes of the early season.

THE STAT: Home is where the heart is

Rennes have won each of their last four home games in Ligue 1 McDonald's, but have not done better since April-August 2023 (5). There has not been a single draw in the last nine league meetings between Rennes and Lyon (five wins to four for Rennes), since a 2-2 draw in January 2021.

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