Ligue 1 McDonalds, matchday 18, 17-01-2025
Goals from Hugo Magnetti and Ludovic Ajorque gave Brest the win in the Brittany Derby against Jorge Sampaoli's Les Rouge et Noir. Rennes suffer a fourth consecutive defeat in all competitions, which further weakens Jorge Sampaoli's position.
Most of the initial action took place not on the pitch but off it, as the home fans put up several banners criticizing Stade Rennais, whose miserable start to the season left them in 14th place in the Ligue 1 standings and already out of the Coupe de France was. Yet Rennes was the most threatening team in the first half. Lorenz Assignon came within inches of opening the scoring after some great footwork down Brest's left channel.
As they often do before their Champions League match, Brest started slowly, and Rennes had to rue missed opportunities to make them pay for it. Arnaud Kalimuendo headed a Brest corner at the near post away to Edimilson Fernandes and passed the ball outside the penalty area to Hugo Magnetti. The midfielder fired a powerful and precise effort into Brice Samba's bottom left corner. The French international goalkeeper conceded on the Pirates' first shot on goal.
The visitors' goal already seemed to have broken the hosts' resolve, as when Rennes narrowly ran riot as Marseille's Adrien Rabiot turned last week's match on its head. Just before half-time, Wales international Jordan James saw his deflected attempt rattle through Marco Bizot's crossbar.
Early in the second half the visitors missed a brilliant opportunity to double their lead. Mama Baldé raced through Adrien Truffert and dribbled past Hans Hateboer, but Samba denied him from close range, although the former Lyon forward could and should have passed the ball to Ludovic Ajorque. However, the France international would rightly take the blame for Brest's second goal. His mediocre clearance could only find Luck Zogbé, who immediately fed substitute Abdallah Sima. The Brighton loanee's cross for Ajorque was perfect and Brest looked in top form twenty minutes before the end.
It is to their credit that Rennes recovered this time without losing again and a fourth defeat in a row was lurking. Mahdi Camara missed the ball and substitute Amine Gouiri passed to Ludovic Blas, whose well-taken left-foot shot thwarted Bizot on his right. Les Rouge et Noir had several chances to restore parity but their final ball left much to be desired as Sampaoli collapsed to the ground in despair as a tame shot from Gouiri was comfortably met by Bizot.
Rennes would not restore parity and lose for a match in a row. A serious crisis threatens Les Rouge et Noir.
Brice samba – 4
The former Nottingham Forest and Lens goalkeeper will not escape criticism as for the second time this week after Rennes' Coupe de France exit against Troyes, his poor distribution led to a goal. While it would be harsh to blame him for Magnetti's opener, he did concede from Brest's first shot on target.
Lorenz Assignon – 4
Hans Hateboer – 4
Christopher Wooh – 4
Leo Ostigard – 3
Adriaan Truffert – 3
Azor Matusiwa – 3
Jordan James – 4
Seko Fofana – 4
The former GFFN 100 winner seems to be the shadow of the player he was at Lens a year and a half ago. The former Al-Nassr and Al-Ettifaq midfielder appears uncomfortable playing on the left wing, prompting Sampaoli to substitute James on the hour mark for a left winger in Amine Gouiri. Booked for a cynical foul on Zogbé.
Ludovic Blas – 5
Arnaud Kalimuendo – 2
Marco Bizot – 6
The Dutch goalkeeper was solid throughout the match with a few saves to frustrate Rennes, including a world-class save to prevent Wooh's header from going in.
Kenny Lala – 5
Brendan Chardonnet – 6
Abdoulaye Ndiaye – 6
Happiness Zogbe – 5
Edimilson Fernandes – 5
Hugo Magnetti – 6
Mahdi Camara – 5
Kamory Doumbia – 5
Mama Balde – 4
Ludovic Ajorque – 6
The centre-forward was once again a pest to defend and a reliable outlet thanks to his hold-up play. He was rightly rewarded with the goal that would be Brest's winner.
GFFN | Bastien Cheval, reporter from Roazhon Park in Rennes
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