In a lively derby, Brest plunges Rennes into crisis

Crucial Breton derby between Rennes and Brest counting for the 18th day of Ligue 1. Rennes is 14th and is only one point ahead of the red zone, while Brest seeks to return to the top 10. The Brestois are sharper and opened the scoring thanks to Magnetti, 1-0 at half-time. In the second half the scenario is similar, Ajorque doubles the lead before Blas reduces the gap just after. Final score 1-2, Brest moves up to 8th place while Rennes is only 1 point ahead of 16th place in the play-off.

Magnetti the Stade Brestois gunner

The Rennes public on strike during the first 25 minutes of the match. This does not prevent their players from starting well. Assignon, eliminates his defender with a large bridge before following up with a cross shot which brushes the post (5'). Five minutes later, Bizot, the visitors' goalkeeper, had to relax at full length after a corner taken by Wooh (10'). But the Finisterians are full of resources, Doumbia eats up space and makes differences, just like Baldé. After a corner, it was Hugo Magnetti who allowed Brest to open the scoring with a magnificent low shot from outside the area (0-1, 27'). Éric Roy's men play high and scare each other against Rennais, but Blas shoots from too tight an angle and Bizot can catch the ball without problem (34'). In added time, Jordan James saw his shot blocked by a Brest player before the ball crashed onto Bizot's bar. At the break, it was Brest who had the advantage.

Rennes can't do it anymore

Returning from the locker room, the pirates board again. Baldé inherits the ball after a supersonic counter, he hooks the last defender but forgets two partners alone, before coming up against Brice Samba face to face. Ludovic Ajorque is furious (51'). Chardonnet and his teammates multiply the counterattacks and create the best opportunities. On a cross from Camara, Doumbia is in an ideal situation to double the lead but Wooh's return bothers the young Malian who misses his move (60'). Did the people of Brest miss their chance? In any case the Sampaoli players push after that. Following a good cross from Seko Fofana, Blas took the lead but it went over the bar (68'). The Rennais push but do not learn from their mistakes. On a new counter, Sima crosses hard to the ground, Ajorque takes a touch at the near post and crucifies Samba, helpless (0-2, 74'). At a time when everyone in the stands is expecting a defeat, it is another Ludovic, Blas this time, who gives hope to the Bretillians by taking back with one touch the ball given by Gouiri in the area (1-2 , 78'). But hopes remain in vain, despite a last thrill at the very end of the match, the Brestois win and return to the top half of the table. Rennes have lost their 4 matches in 2025, as well as 7 of their last 9 in Ligue 1. Next match in Monaco, next Saturday, for Sampaoli and his troops. Brest will travel to Germany to face Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukraine) in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Jacques de Miscault