An attractive time offensively, before being weighed down by its defensive weaknesses and its nervousness, Stade Rennes was hooked by the promoted Le Havre (2-2), Sunday at Roazhon Park for the 3rd day of Ligue 1.
After a demonstration against the other promoted Metz (5-1) then a serious draw in Lens (1-1), Rennes appeared apathetic against Le Havre, delivering a good offensive part by leading 2-0 before losing their bearings against combative Le Havre.
Not the best way to prepare for the upcoming Breton derby against Brest, frustrated by their defeat at the Vélodrome despite good game intentions (2-0).
Luka Elsner’s men, who had already drawn in Montpellier (2-2) on the first day, confirm their ability to travel well, they who had only experienced one away defeat in the League 2 last year, in Annecy (1-0) in May.
Even reduced to 10, the people of Le Havre have shaken up the Rennes rearguard, and can hope for better from the reception of Lorient next week if they manage to resolve their defensive problems.
After the first ten minutes of observation, it was Bruno Genesio’s players who, as usual, took control of the game. For his first match at Roazhon Park in the Rouge et Noir jersey, Ludovic Blas, in difficulty against Lens last week, he distinguished himself with a festival: recovery of the ball from 30 meters, acceleration, first strike repelled by Arouna Sangante before deceiving the HAC goalkeeper on his second shot (10th).
In confidence, Rennes was quick to double the lead after a free kick from captain Bourigeaud. Hit by Kalimuendo and Matic, the ball was pushed back by Arthur Desmas, before being pushed into the back of the net by Christopher Wooh (24th).
Asleep by their thundering debut, the Rennais lowered their foot, allowing Le Havre to multiply the attempts: header from Salnier (27th), ball in the box for Daler Kuziaev captured by Mandanda (28th), until the score was reduced on a header from Nabil Alioui after an excellent cross from Christopher Opéri (40′).
Still jostled by the Le Havre at the start of the second period, the Rennais were even caught in the score despite their numerical superiority, after the expulsion of Samuel Grandsir (62nd). On a counter well led by Loïc Négo, Alioui offered himself a double with a beautiful rolled up right foot (70th).
Faced with a Le Havre team withdrawn in defense, Rennes then multiplied the bad offensive choices, in a sterile possession game. A strike from Blas stopped by Desmas (90th) and a post from Désiré Doué served on a long ball by Matic in added time made the Roazhon shiver, without offering him the deliverance.
