Nice and Rennes opened the ball for this year 2025 in Ligue 1. However, this was not the first meeting of this 16th day since before Christmas, PSG went to beat Monaco at Louis II (4-2), in order to to leave the slot free for the Champions Trophy on Sunday (5:30 p.m.) between the two teams. There was still plenty to whet your appetite this evening. Already because the Gym is slowly recovering its many injured and the Bretons need to change their face after a completely failed half of the season. The news is also quite a bit around Rennes at the start of the transfer window with the arrival of Seko Fofana, on the bench at kick-off, and the tenure of a Mandanda disrupted by the possible arrival of Brice Samba.
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The former Marseillais undoubtedly wanted to send a message to his leaders. We wouldn't get rid of him so easily, as evidenced by his numerous interventions at the start of the match (4th, 8th, 9th). On the other hand, he was beaten on this goal by Guessand, perfectly served in depth by Ndombélé, and intelligent to resist the return of Faye (1-0, 9th). Shaken in these first minutes, Rennes finally got into action, notably Blas (15th, 20th) and especially this tight shot off target from Gronbaek (22nd). Blas insisted and found Kalimuendo in good timing, ahead of Ndayishimiye and Bulka (1-1, 27th). The Bretons had done the hard part, especially as they seemed slightly above their opponent in the game. Problem, a huge error from Mandanda condemned them once again to racing behind.
Mandanda's big mistake
There was no reason to be put under pressure, however, but the former international launched directly at Diop full axis, who was not asked to convert the offering (2-1, 34th). This fact of the game gave the Rennais a headache, once again in a tough situation against the exhilarated Niçois. In a strong moment, they didn't even end up making the break thanks to Laborde's volley on this overflow from Guessand (3-1, 45th+5). Sampaoli wasted no time in relaunching his team by taking out the too discreet Gronbaek through Gouiri. The Argentinian coach was well taken, even if Truffert's goal owes nothing to the newcomer. It was rather Bulka who had to be thanked for this, whose far too soft hand on Assignon's shot allowed the left-hander to score in the empty goal (49th).
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Faulty, the Pole made up for it a few minutes later in front of Blas (55th) but it was Stade Rennais who gave themselves hope at the start of the second half. Sampaoli tried to drive the point home by bringing in Seko Fofana without waiting too long (64th). The entry of the former Lensois was good for his team, particularly in terms of involvement, but he often lacked accuracy and automatisms. The SRFC did not give up but appeared less dangerous as the minutes passed. It was even Boudaoui's cannon shot, deflected at the last minute by Mandanda on his bar, which awakened the end of the match (79th), like Rosario's kick on Kalimuendo's chest (90+2). Nice finished ten but kept enough energy to maintain this victory and climb to 4th place, leaving Rennes in 12th place.
Pub. the 03/01/2025 23:00
– UPDATE 04/01/2025 08:59
