Decisive Lovro Majer, serene Baptiste Santamaria, Eliaquim Mangala overwhelmed… The tops and flops after Rennes’ victory over ASSE this Saturday (2-0).
TOPS
Majer delivers his own
If they have long stumbled on the block from Saint-Etienne, the Rennais have finally found the fault thanks to Lovro Majer, author of a double synonymous with success this Saturday (2-0). After a long ball from Benjamin Bourigeaud in the area, Eliaquim Mangala returns the ball in the axis, which bounces on Terrier. Majer recovers, chest control, and quickly unleashes the strike. A low and powerful shot from the left, which leaves Paul Bernardoni flabbergasted on his line for the opener, just before the break (42nd). The Croatian midfielder was once again omnipresent in the Stade Rennais game this Saturday evening, with in particular five balls recovered and 68% of duels won (15/22). He is also at the conclusion of the second goal at the end of the match, thanks to a new error from Mangala and does not need to be asked to allow his team to make the break (84th).
Santamaria, it’s serious also a notch lower
The Rennes defense was never worried during this meeting, as the Stéphanois struggled in front. Again placed in central defense due to Nayef Aguerd’s package, Baptiste Santamaria has always been calm. A good copy for the usual 27-year-old midfielder who exudes tranquility and serenity in this role. 147 balls played in total during the meeting for him, match record. Impressive statistics during these 90 minutes against Saint-Etienne with in particular 92% of successful passes (124/135), 100% of duels won (7/7) and seven scraped balls. A rock.
FLOPS
mangala outdated
Captain of the Greens this Saturday, Mangala is guilty of the two goals from Rennes. In the 42nd, the 31-year-old returned full axis after a cross from Bourigeaud and Majer scored the first goal of the game. At the end of the game, he is to be credited with an error of judgment on the pass from Sehrou Guirassy and allows the Croatian to afford a double (84th). 16 possessions lost, in 38 disputed balls.
Saint-Etienne too limited
In ball possession, but also in attack, ASSE was too poor at Roazhon Park. This is an eloquent figure: 52 successful passes only during the first 45 minutes! Deprived of many offensive elements (Boudebouz, Khazri, Hamouma, Crivelli), the Greens struggled in the expression of their football. Only six shots attempted, including three on target. Too little to worry the people of Rennes, serene throughout this clash of extremes.
Laborde of bad evenings
In difficulty in recent weeks, Gaétan Laborde was once again too discreet this Saturday evening at Roazhon Park. Only 26 balls hit and two shots, off target. In the first period, the Rennes striker did not adjust his head when he was alone at the penalty spot (20th). After the hour of play, the former Montpellier player is too short to take over the very good cross from Traoré. Only 10 successful passes (out of 17 attempted) and 29% of duels won. Three faults committed by the French striker, replaced by Guirassy in the 75th.
