It was the 100th match in history between Nice and Rennes (41 wins for the Aiglons, 24 draws, 34 successes for the Bretons). But neither team really celebrated in a largely thrill-free hour-long encounter. Without completely foiling, Nice, 9th, who has nothing more to gain or lose this season, thus triggered only three strikes, all off target, during the first period.
Rennes was a little more enterprising, and for good reason. Sixth in Ligue 1, the Genesio team still covets 5th place, synonymous with qualification for the Europa League Conference and occupied by Lille, three points ahead of the Bretons at kick-off.
On two occasions, the Rennais threatened Schmeichel’s goal during the first act. Alas, Doku’s strike after an overflow did not find better than the niche of the Danish goalkeeper (16th).
Later, the same Schmeichel took out a header from near Majer with his right foot, served back by Belocian from the left (41st).
After the break, however, the Aiglons really took off. Forgotten at the far post, Laborde first closely deceived Mandanda with a flick of the volley, signing his 10th goal of the season on a cross sent from the right by Bouanani (1-0, 50th).
After which, still with Bouanani in the pass from his camp, Moffi, launched in the middle, benefited from a dumpling from Theate, then hooked Mandanda out to meet him to score in the empty goal (0-2nd, 72nd ).
Sad way for Steve Mandanda, 38, to celebrate his 500th Ligue 1 match – 469 with Marseille, 31 with Rennes. A Rennes goal, signed Bourigeaud with a superb shot from the right from the corner of the area, (1-2nd, 78th) spiced up the last quarter of an hour a little, as did Lotomba’s extreme intervention on the head of Gouiri (89th). Spicy a little, but without setting fire.
