Lepaul at the double as Rennes edge Le Mans
Esteban Lepaul scored at either end of a nervy encounter to lift hosts Stade Rennais past promoted Le Mans on Sunday evening. Get the latest from the Ligue 1 McDonald's team.
Lepaul picks up where he left off
After the frustration of conceding two late goals against Paris Saint-Germain, Stade Rennais were back in action on Sunday evening against a promoted Le Mans side. Missing starting goalkeeper Brice Samba due to injury, Franck Haise would have to be cautious against a side who have proved dangerous on the counter.
It wouldn't take long, though, for Rennes' key man -- Esteban Lepaul -- Ligue 1's leading scorer last season -- to link up with last season's leading assist provider, new teammate Adrien Thomasson, who fed the striker with a clever flick on five minutes, allowing the hosts to take the lead. As is their approach, though Le Mans looked to battle back, with Nicolas Lemaitre showing his value in place of Samba with several fine saves. But after weathering the storm, Rennes doubled their lead with a curling effort by Valentin Rongier (26').
8 goals in 7 Ligue 1 matches 🥵🎱
ESTEBAN LEPAUL. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/tuQsSElEcf— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) August 30, 2026
Mafouta at the double
On the half hour, Le Mans' play on the counter finally paid off as Louis Mafouta pulled a goal back by turning home a low cross from close range. After the break, Mafouta would find the net again, converting a penalty on 54 minutes to level the match and set up a furious finish with each team looking for a winner.
Rennes' task in that regard was made easier by the sending off Djibril Sidibe, just 43 seconds after coming on. The hosts then were presented with a golden opportunity on 87 minutes, only for Ludovic Blas to hit the post. Their prayers were finally answered in added time, though, as they earned a penalty converted by Lepaul in the sixth minute of added time to seal a 3-2 win.
The stat: 7
Esteban Lepaul has scored in each of Stade Rennais' last seven matches.
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