Rennes brings down OM and qualifies!

Disappointing seventh in Ligue 1 after a very mixed first part of the season, Olympique de Marseille approached the Coupe de France as one of its major objectives at the start of the year. These days, the oldest competition represents the shortest route to Europe. And OM cannot afford to snub a trophy after more than ten years without the slightest title in their showcase.

The fact remains that this reasoning also applied to Stade Rennais. The Breton club, stuck in the soft underbelly of the championship ranking, began 2024 with the objective of achieving performances more in line with its standing. In a crowded Roazhon Park for the most tempting poster of the weekend, Julien Stéphan’s team had concocted a plan to try to bring down a Marseille team weakened by departures at the African Cup of Nations and problems physical.

Rennes didn’t give up

Weighed down by all the hazards of the start of the year, OM did not manage to avoid the trap set by Rennes. Gennaro Gattuso’s team did not show enough personality in their collective expression and attitude to thwart Stéphan’s plans.

Each team had its period in this fragmented match, and often dull in the content offered. Gennaro Gattuso’s men broke the deadlock at the half-hour mark thanks to Jordan Veretout, who exploited a fleeing cross from Jonathan Clauss to place a victorious half-volley into the top corner (0-1, 29th).

But that was without counting on the revolt of Rennais after a penalty from Bourigeaud repelled by Pau Lopez just before the break. Much more enterprising at the start of the second act, Julien Stéphan’s players resurfaced on an opportunistic goal from Martin Terrier, receiving a service from Benjamin Bourigeaud (1-1, 53rd).

All these beautiful people were then neutralized in the last half hour where the pace dropped as fatigue gained ground. And it was on penalties that this meeting had to be decided. And it was Rennes who had the last word in this little game, at the end of an endless session where the shooters showed off their shooting quality. Stade Rennais continues on its way. For OM, it’s one more disillusionment at the heart of a tasteless season.