Multiplex: Rennes held by Auxerre, Toulouse run riot, and Breton Derby drama

After a two-week pause for international football, Ligue 1 McDonald’s returned with a bang. Three matches kicked off simultaneously as Lorient vs Brest, Rennes vs Auxerre, and Toulouse vs Metz delivered chaos, comebacks, and some stunning goals.

A Breton Derby Gone Wild: Lorient 3–3 Brest

The Breton derby exploded into life from the very first minute. Théo Le Bris fired Lorient in front with a perfectly-timed late run and low volley after just 68 seconds, meeting Arsène Kouassi’s cross from the right (1’).

Brest were completely overrun early on, but struck against the run of play. Junior Dina Ebimbe levelled on Brest’s first shot on target, turning in Bradley Locko’s low cross from the left (34’). Moments later, the visitors went ahead via an unfortunate Jean-Victor Makengo own goal, misjudging Romain Del Castillo’s in-swinging delivery (44’).

Lorient roared back after the break. Kouassi got his reward for an excellent display, nodding in Le Bris’s cross to make it 2–2 (55’). Dieng then forced a fine save from Majecki before the match swung again — Del Castillo converted from the spot after Chardonnet was nudged in the box (85’).

There was still time for one final twist. Substitute Sambou Soumano sent the Stade du Moustoir into ecstasy with a spectacular overhead kick (88’), sealing a frantic 3–3 and one of the derbies of the season so far.

Another Four-Goal Draw for Rennes: Rennes 2–2 Auxerre

Under mounting pressure, Habib Beye’s Rennes sought relief at Roazhon Park — and left with more questions than answers. It began disastrously as Quentin Merlin was caught trying to play out; he misplaced a pass straight to Lassine Sinayoko, who rounded Brice Samba before squaring for Danny Namaso to tap into an empty net (7’).

Rennes reacted immediately. Breel Embolo rose high to meet Ludovic Blas’ corner and sent a looped header past Donavan Léon (18’). Auxerre threatened before the break, but were denied by a stunning stop from Samba.

Rennes finally took the lead after the interval. A fine collective move between Blas, Esteban Lepaul and Seko Fofana ended with the Ivorian slotting past Léon for his first of the season (56’). But familiar lapses cost them again: Anthony Rouault fouled Sinayoko as he burst into the box, and the Malian converted the penalty confidently as Rennes let another lead slip (71’).

Les Violets Run Riot: Toulouse 4–0 Metz

It was the promoted side who shot themselves in the foot twice in the first five minutes, as Frank Magri profited off a mistake in midfield which saw the Cameroonian international drive into the box and provide a clinical finish (1'). Magri was involved only minutes later when he was brought down in the box, and Aron Dønumm stepped up to convert the penalty to double Toulouse's lead (6').

Things would go from bad to worse for the visitors, as Sadibou Sané saw a red card for the second time this season after a heavy challenge on Casseres Jr. Les Violets would finish off the match, with Yann Gboho scoring a stunning volley on the pivot after a long throw-in from the left side (78'). Charlie Cresswell would then add a fourth with a header from a well-played corner to put the result out of doubt (84').