TOPS/FLOPS – Despite a great Romain Del Castillo, Brest could not do better than a draw (1-1) on Saturday against Stade Rennes, for the 8th day of Ligue 1.
TOPS
Pierre Lees-Melou makes his comeback
It’s a decidedly successful comeback. After several weeks of absence, Pierre Lees-Melou returns to the Ligue 1 pitches, to our greatest happiness. The French midfielder put in another good performance this Saturday during the draw between Brest and Rennes. Well helped by Magnetti and Camara, the 31-year-old caused the penalty with a shot blocked by Matusiwa. Replaced by Martin in the 73rd minute, Lees-Melou will be expected against Leverkusen in a few days, in the Champions League.
Romain Del Castillo stirring
Without doubt the man of the match. Author of the penalty converted in the 54th minute, Romain Del Castillo was the most active in the Brest attack and was better than Ajorque and Pereira Lage. Replaced by Romain Faivre in the 81st minute, the former Lyon player confirms his good form and will also be expected in the Champions League on Wednesday.
FLOPS
The Rennes attack at half mast
A long afternoon. In a 3-4-2-1 which certainly did not give them much advantage, Kalimuendo, Gouiri and Blas did not have much impact on the game and did not bring danger to the Brest defense. The entries of Jota, who scored, and Gronbaek, gave energy to the Bretons. This difficult match confirms a very average start to the season for the team coached by Julien Stéphan. But the affordable schedule could help Rennes in the weeks to come.
Steve Mandanda in difficulty
He too was in pain. Even if he doesn’t have much to reproach himself for on the penalty, Steve Mandanda very rarely reassured his defense this Saturday. The former French international conceded at least one goal for the fourth game in a row. He has only kept a clean sheet twice this season in Ligue 1. The coming weeks will show us whether his starting place is in danger or not.
