​

There was no winner between Nice and Rennes. On Sunday, Les Azuréens took home a good point from Brittany, after showing defensive solidity in Week 32 of Ligue 1 (0-0). 

The features

It was always clear that in order to get a good result in Rennes, Le Gym would first have to show their ability to defend to perfection, whilst at the same time, making the most of good opportunities. Les Aiglons managed the first of these objectives, not the second, but still continue their progress in this season’s final sprint.

To take home this point, the squad showed rigour, seriousness and desire. They were also able to count on a slice of luck, with SRFC finding the woodwork on three occasions during the 90 minutes. But through the defence’s rigour and strength, the third best defence in France this season put themselves in the best possible position on Sunday. 

During the first half an hour, Le Gym had to grin and bear it, locking the door at the back and doubling up on Hatem Ben Arfa. Through their agression - particularly that of Danilo and Sarr -, and solidarity, the Niçois managed to keep a lid on HBA, although the former Aiglon almost changed the face of the game from the get go, with a nearly perfect free-kick that smashed against Benitez’s post (12’). In the minutes that followed, the playmaker found Niang, whose effort was blocked by Dante and boxed away by Benitez. Apart from these two chances, the home side’s dominance was purely territorial, lit up by deep runs from Niang, Ben Arfa’s style and a few dead-ball situations. The arrival of Sarr in the second half and the repositioning of Hunou up-front could have offered a chance to make a difference, but the Bretons didn’t manage to do so.

The men from the Côte slowly loosened the home side’s grip. Progressively, they regained territory, put their feet on the ball, added pace up front and procured several good chances.

In the first half, Srarfi’s shot, after winning the ball back high up the pitch, flew over the bar (27’), in the same way as Danilo’s second free-kick (47’), which came just after the Brazilian’s first effort that had landed into Koubek’s gloves (40’).

Physically, Rennes began to drop off after the hour mark and left spaces for Les Aiglons, who would go on to have chances. Rennes were also able to maintain a constant danger on Benitez’s goal. Although both sides had chances in the final 20 minutes, neither side took one. 

One after the other: Benitez caught a strike from Traoré (69'), parried Sarr’s half-volley (71'), then saw Hunou’s header smash against the bar and a strike from the same forward hit the post. 

At the other end, Ganago beat Traoré but his cross couldn’t find a teammate (77'); Lees-Melou didn’t manage to find the target with the inside of his foot after a perfect cross from Saint-Maximin (84’); Ganago once again got the better of Traoré, struck at the near post, but Koubek closed the angle (87'); and finally, Atal cut in from the right and tried his luck with his left, but his effort went wide (88’).

It was written in the stars that the match would remain goalless until the final whistle. 

Patrick Vieira’s choices

Apart from Wylan Cyprien, who picked up an adductor injury and was replaced by Rémi Walter – as he was at half-time last week - Patrick Vieira decided to maintain his confidence in the eleven that attacked the match against Montpellier.

In front of Benitez, a back four, with Burner, Hérelle, Dante and Sarr started the game.

In midfield, it was Danilo who started deepest, allowing Lees-Melou and Walter to push on.

Finally, Srarfi and Saint-Maximin played alongside Diaby-Fadiga, who was making his second start in L1. After 10 minutes, Coach Vieira’s plans had to change after the 18 year old took a knock to his ankle after a clash with Da Silva. Diaby-Fadiga made way for Ignatius Ganago.

Having also picked up an injury in the first half, Danilo was replaced by Tameze for the start of the second half.

Finally, Atal came on for Srarfi for the final fifteen minutes on the right wing. 

It is also worth noting that at the end of the game, Saint-Maximin moved up-front and Ganago pushed across to the left wing, where he looked dangerous.

---