Multiplex: Rennes secure dramatic late win, Le Havre and Metz involved in eight-goal thriller
It was goals galore at Le Havre-Metz and it was tense at Roazhon Park as Rennes edged local rivals Nantes in a game that has huge repercussions at both ends of the Ligue 1 McDonald's table. We take you through this afternoon's multiplex action.
Rennes 2-1 Nantes
Les Rennais came into this game off the back of a big win over Strasbourg, and against their local rivals, their confidence showed in the opening exchanges. It only took seven minutes for it to be reflected on the scoreline when Esteban Lepaul, Ligue 1 McDonald's' Top Scoreur, blasted home from the penalty spot (7'). But the early barrage relented. Nantes struggled to pose a great threat, but their equaliser came from a moment of magic from Ignatius Ganago, who won his aerial duel and then half-volleyed over Brice Samba (40').
18 goals in Ligue 1 for the French Vardy: Estéban Lepaul 🇫🇷✨ pic.twitter.com/hiyTFy7lzm
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) April 26, 2026
Mohamed Kaba saw an effort cleared off the line by Quentin Merlin (65') and Ali Yousuf then did the same from a Moussa Al-Taamari strike moments later (71'). The offside flag was raised, but replays showed how marginal the call was.
But Rennes would get their winner and it had to come from Valentin Rongier, who came through the ranks at Nantes. He didn't celebrate after he tucked the ball into the near post in injury time (90+2').
Paris FC 0-1 Lille
Antoine Kombouaré's unbeaten start to life at Paris FC is over and it is Lille OSC who ended it. It was a goal from the spot from Matias Fernandez-Pardo that did it (27') for Bruno Genesio's side.
Paris FC pushed for an equaliser at the Stade Jean-Bouin, but, in the dying minutes, their task was made more difficult due to a red card received by Pierre Lees-Melou (85'). LOSC remain tied on points with Lyon in third.
Le Havre 4-4 Metz
Metz knew that they had to get a result against Le Havre in order to give themselves any mathematical chance of remaining in Ligue 1 McDonald's for next season. It couldn't have got off to a worse start for Benoit Tavenot's men as they conceded in the 5th minute, Mbawana Samatta tucking home.
There needed to be a reaction, and there was, Giorgi Kvilitaia levelling just moments later (9'). But in what was an enthralling start to this game, Yassine Kechta allowed Le Havre to seize control once again. But on the stroke of half-time, Gauthier Hein levelled up from the spot (45').
KECHTA, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?! 🇲🇦🥵 pic.twitter.com/STKM674XLe
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) April 26, 2026
Yanis Zouaoui restored Le Havre's lead for a third time from the spot (52'), only for Jayhann Pandore to immediately respond, again, for Metz, who refused to be beaten (54'). Fodé Doucouré gave Les Ciel et Marines the lead for the fourth time (61'). But in this yo-yo game, it was only fitting that there would be another response, a final one, as captain Hein netted his second of the game and Metz's fourth, sufficient to allow them to live to fight another day.
READ MORE
>> Lens and Brest share the spoils in six-goal thriller
>> Lyon edge past Auxerre to bolster UCL qualification hopes
