The match against Nantes, although not having the intensity of a real derby, was an important victory for Rennes, especially behind closed doors. Habib Beye stressed the importance of this victory, stressing the willingness to press the game and the team’s overall good performance. He noted the use of different tactical systems, moving from an offensive square to a system with a number 10 and two attackers with the arrival of Fabian Rieder, allowing to evaluate several approaches and see progress. However, he also pointed out weaknesses on long balloons and the need to be more compact, while welcoming Brice Samba’s important stops and his role as captain.

The meeting, which took place at the Jonelière, allowed the Rennes to test several tactical systems and to give the whole force time to play, notably with the return of Valentin Rongier and Quentin Merlin. The coach stressed that the aspects to be improved would be analysed in video, mentioning specific attitudes such as the attempt to ask for a fault to stop the game. The 3-5-2, a preferred tactical option, was tested, with a first chance from Nantes controlled by Hans Hateboeer. Rennes then took the advantage thanks to a goal by Arnaud Kalimuendo, followed by an equalization of Nantes by Louis Leroux. Ludovic Blas came close to the goal, and a corner kick allowed Bahmed Deuff to give Rennes the advantage at half-time.

The second period saw Brice Samba make significant saves, and Rennes confirmed his lead with a third goal scored by Andres Gomes over a Bertug Yildirim center. The third time was marked by staff rotations and passivity at the end of the game, allowing Nantes to reduce the score. Johann Le Penant had an opportunity at the end of the game, but she was not enough to change the result. This victory brings new confidence to Rennes, with promising players’ associations such as Rongier-Fofana-Blas and the return of Brice Samba. The team will now have to confirm this momentum in the next game in San Sebastián against Real Sociedad, in view of the start of the home season.