Rennes have ended their streak of five Ligue 1 draws in a row in defeating bitter rivals FC Nantes in a tense Breton derby 3-1 win. Goals from club captain Benjamin Bourigeaud and substitutes Désiré Doué and Arnaud Kalimuendo have ensured Les Rouge et Noir three morale-boosting points. Stade Rennais manager Bruno Genesio was mostly pleased with his side’s ability to cope with Nantes midfielder Pedro Chirivella’s equalizing goal just before half-time.
“This is becoming our season’s common thread. We are capable of responding to contrary events“, Genesio said in his post-game press conference transcribed by Get French Football News. “We were able to keep track of the game, get back into it and show a lot of character to force a win.” Rennes have climbed up to 6th place courtesy of their only second win of the season. Les Rouge et Noir are with OGC Nice the only unbeaten side in Ligue 1. “This is such an unreadable league from one week to the next one. Consistency will pay off.“
Genesio’s side will travel to Spain on Thursday to face Villarreal in the Europa League’s group stage. On Sunday, Les Rouge et Noir will host Paris Saint-Germain. The former Lyon manager will be able to rely on striker Martin Terrier, whose return to injury was delayed through illness. “He will make his Roazhon Park return against Paris. It couldn’t be better.”
GFFN | Bastien Cheval
