Satriano, Brest’s third scorer. LOU BENOIST / AFP
Rennes and Brest offered a fabulous Breton derby this Sunday with a Brest victory (5-4) in added time, synonymous with qualification for a European Cup.
Brittany vibrated! Rennes and Brest delivered, this Sunday during the 31st day of Ligue 1, a historic derby in more than one way. And at the end of a stunning 95 minutes, it was the Brest visitors who forced the decision thanks to their defender Lilian Brassier. Stade Brestois won 5-4 and validated its qualification for a European Cup next season, the first in its history.
However, after nine minutes, Stade Rennais led 2-0 thanks to Arnaud Kalimuendo’s double, effective then opportunistic (4th, 8th). But as is often the case, Brest showed all its character, and its talent, to pull off a crazy comeback and take a four-goal advantage. Steve Mounié (11th), in the process, revived his team who remained behind at the break, after 45 intense minutes. Like the spectacle provided in Lyon two weeks ago (4-3 defeat), the Brest “Pirates” chose the second half to turn everything around. Omari against his camp (48th), Satriano (54th) and Camara with a beautiful volley (66th) turned this match into pure madness.
A derby that will make a mark
The joy and domination were, however, short-lived for Eric Roy and his players since Theate, scorer from afar (68th), and the surface fox Terrier (79th), put Rennes back on track, making the Roazhon believe the impossible Park, white hot this afternoon. Finally, in the whirlwind of the irrational, it was this season’s surprise team which, this time, had the last word, with Brassier donning the hero’s costume.
Crazy winner of a prolific derby, Stade Brestois regains third place in the standings at the expense of Lille and keeps five points ahead of Nice (5th). For its part, Rennes, still 7th, will have big regrets.
