Ten-man Monaco fall to Rennes despite Pogba's comeback
While it was a memorable night for Paul Pogba as he made his return to competitive football, it was less the case for his AS Monaco teammates, who fell 4-1 to a Stade Rennais, who won their third straight match.
A lively first half
Despite Monaco's difficult defeat to Lens before the break -- there was no small amount of optimism for the Principality side. Not only had manager Sébastien Pocognoli had time over the international break to work with his side, but more players were were returning to fitness, including Pogba's fellow midfielders Denis Zakaria, Mamdou Coulibaly and Lamine Camara as well as veteran 'keeper Lucas Hradecky, who had missed more than two months.
But Rennes, playing at home and with a chance to move into the European places, were in no mood to oblige their opponents. Monaco would have the match's first chance, having started the brighter, but Ansu Fati's half-volley was saved by Brice Samba. Moments later, Rennes took the lead as young defender Abdelhamid Aït-Boudlal smashed in Mahdi Camara's cross. Monaco would respond with a flurry of chances, with Maghnes Akliouche and Fati combining to great effect, but the pair would have no joy before the interval as the first half ended with Rennes ahead 1-0.
Things we love to see.
We’re not dreaming.
Paul Pogba made his L1 debut today. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/IaJ5obwrrO— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) November 22, 2025
Monaco see red, concede three
Into the second half, not three minutes had elapsed when Rennes doubled their lead, as Camara went from provider to scorer, pouncing on a loose ball after Hradecky had saved an initial effort from Musa Al-Taamari (48'). They nearly had a third through former Monégasque Breel Embolo on the counter, but a clearance off the line kept the match just within reach.
At least, it was within in reach until Zakaria was sent off midway through the second half, given a straight red card for a dangerous challenge. Taking advantage of the man advantage, Embolo wouldn't miss a second time (73'), scoring for the third time in four matches for club and country to make it 3-0. Ludovic Blas would then round off the scoring for Rennes (83') with a penalty before Mika Biereth saved their blushes in stoppage time.
With the result, Rennes climb to a provisional fifth place, their confidence surely boosted ahead of a massive showdown with Paris Saint-Germain in two weeks' time. As for Pocognoli's side, they'll face Cypriot side Pafos in the Champions League in midweek before their own duel with the capital side on Saturday.
The stat: 811
His appearance at Roazhon Park marked 811 days since Paul Pogba had played a competitive match.
