Rennes edge seven-goal Breton thriller to reignite European push

A wild Breton derby delivered everything with goals, controversy, and late drama as Stade Rennais FC defeated Stade Brestois 29 4-3 at the Stade Francis-Le Blé on Saturday, climbing to sixth place in Ligue 1 McDonald's and firmly re-entering the European race.

A breathless derby from the first whistle

The tone was set almost immediately. Brest struck inside four minutes through Junior Dina Ebimbe, reacting quickest in the box after a defensive scramble to fire the hosts ahead. But Franck Haise's Rennes responded with authority.

First, Ludovic Blas capped a slick team move to equalise (20’), before the in-form Esteban Lepaul converted from the spot (34’) after a foul on Mousa Al-Tamari, completing a rapid turnaround. Rennes went into the break deservedly ahead, having seized control after Brest’s early punch.

Chaos after the interval

If the first half was lively, the second was outright chaos. A major turning point arrived when Rennes goalkeeper Brice Samba misjudged a routine cross, gifting Dina Ebimbe his second goal (57’) to level the match.

Moments later, Rennes hit back again. Breel Embolo restored the visitors’ lead (63’), only for Brest to produce the moment of the match. Romain Labeau Lascary controlled brilliantly on his chest before rifling an unstoppable volley into the top corner (70’) — a goal worthy of winning any derby. At 3-3, the match felt destined for a draw. But Rennes had one final twist. Once again, Al-Tamari caused problems, winning a second penalty after drawing contact from Kenny Lala. Lepaul stepped up — and, despite a touch from the goalkeeper, squeezed home his second of the night (74’). That proved decisive.

Late drama and Brest frustration

Brest threw everything forward in stoppage time and thought they had equalised when Ludovic Ajorque found the net — only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.

Rennes, increasingly stretched, held on through seven minutes of added time, with Samba even booked for time-wasting as tension peaked.

What it means

The result lifts Rennes into sixth place, keeping them firmly in contention for European qualification ahead of the weekend’s remaining fixtures.

For Brest, it’s another frustrating evening in a season drifting toward mid-table anonymity — despite scoring three times in a derby they will feel they could have taken something from.

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