Rennes make extra man count to down Lille

Stade Rennais finally broke their long-standing hoodoo at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy with a 2–0 victory over Lille, taking full advantage of an early red card to claim a crucial away win in the race for Europe.

Reduced to ten men inside the opening quarter of an hour, the LOSC resisted bravely before conceding twice early in the second half, as goals from Przemysław Frankowski and Quentin Merlin secured Rennes’ first league win in Lille in the 21st century.

Early turning point as Lille see red

The decisive moment of the match arrived in the 14th minute, when Alexsandro miscontrolled a routine ball and was forced into a desperate challenge on Breel Embolo, who was racing through on goal. Referee Eric Wattellier showed a straight red card, a decision that sparked fury from the home crowd and continued controversy throughout the evening.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Bruno Génésio’s side remained compact and dangerous in transition, with Olivier Giroud leading the line. Lille even came closest before the break, as Özer was rarely troubled and Brice Samba had to make an excellent save from Fernandez-Pardo after a perfectly weighted through ball from Giroud.

Rennes, meanwhile, struggled to impose themselves before half-time despite dominating possession, with Rongier and Camara unable to find the final pass against a disciplined Lille block.

Rennes make pressure count after the break

The breakthrough came shortly after the restart. In the 49th minute, Liliane Brassier delivered a precise cross from the left, and Przemysław Frankowski rose unmarked at the far post to head past Özer and give Rennes a deserved lead.

That goal finally opened the game. Rennes increased the tempo, and Lille’s resistance was broken again in the 56th minute. After a superb piece of hold-up play from Embolo, the Swiss forward rolled the ball into the path of Quentin Merlin, who calmly slotted home a low finish to double the visitors’ advantage (55').

Lille run out of solutions

To their credit, Lille continued to push, with Giroud attempting an audacious scorpion kick and Bentaleb appealing in vain for a penalty from a corner. However, Rennes’ back three — marshalled by Seidu and Jacquet — stood firm, while Samba remained composed when called upon.

The hosts’ task became even harder when Giroud was forced off injured, depriving Lille of their focal point in attack. Rennes controlled the final stages with authority, circulating the ball confidently and limiting Lille to speculative efforts.

A statement win in the European race

This victory lifts Rennes into the top six and confirms their impressive resurgence under Habib Beye, who has now overseen six wins in seven league matches. For Lille, the night ends in frustration, with Génésio’s men left to rue a costly early dismissal that ultimately proved decisive.

THE STAT:  second-half starters

Rennes have scored 8 goals in the first 15 minutes of the second half, more than any other team in the Ligue 1 this season.

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