PLAYER RATINGS | Rennes 1-2 Lorient: Steve Mandanda’s howler gifts vital Breton derby win for Les Merlus | OneFootball

Ligue 1 Uber Eats, Round 24, 03/03/24

Had Rennes not conceded a controversial last-minute equalizer from PSG centre-forward Gonçalo Ramos last Sunday, they would have chased an impressive eighth Ligue 1 win on the bounce against their Brittany neighbors today. As shown by their midweek qualification into the Coupe de France semi-finals and their gutsy 3-2 win against AC Milan, Les Rouge et Noir are in fine form and they were expected to carry on against a relegation-battling Lorient side.

The hosts turned on the pressure and saw most of the ball, but they created few chances. Meanwhile, Lorient were let down by individual mistakes preventing them from threatening Rennes captain Steve Mandanda. Every centre-forward on the pitch had a first half to forget. Benjamin Bourigeaud was too easily dispossessed by Tiémoué Bakayoko near the edge of the box, but the former Chelsea midfielder skied his attempt. Bourigeaud, who has enjoyed a purple patch lately, was kept at bay. The hosts could have been given a penalty with Julien Laporte handling Arnaud Kalimuendo’s cross, but the referee was unimpressed.

Rennes ended the first half with a flurry of chances, but Kalimuendo and the electric Désiré Doué both saw their tame attempt easily caught by Lorient goalie Yvon Mvogo. With proceedings restarting, Doué kept knocking at Lorient’s door, first with a curling effort that swirled off the post and then with a shot from a tight angle parried by Mvogo at his near post.

Mandanda at fault

Against the run of play, Lorient stunned the hosts. A sleek attacking move saw Mohamed Bamba lose his 1v1 against Mandanda. On the rebound, Julien Ponceau curled an inviting effort for Mandanda but the former France international let go of the ball for Bamba to score from close range. Bamba’s opener acted as a massive confidence boost for the visitors who found it easier to find gaping holes in Rennes’ midfield.

Julien Stéphan turned to his bench for a late onslaught with Amine Gouiri, Ibrahim Salah and Bertug Yildirim all entering the fray. Substitute centre-back Christopher Wooh would come the closest to equalize, but his towering header from a Bourigeaud free-kick went wide. Regis Le Bris’ changes caused more damage. Fed by Gedeon Kalulu’s cross, 17-year-old Elie Junior Kroupi made it 2-0 with a close-range powerful finish past Mandanda seconds away from stoppage time.

Gouiri reduced the deficit with a well-taken right-footed effort, but it was too late for the hosts to salvage a point. Rennes missed the opportunity to leapfrog Marseille and Lens whilst Lorient held on to three vital points in their quest for Ligue 1 survival.

Rennes players ratings

Steve Mandanda, 3

The skipper had a relatively calm outing until the hour mark when he first thwarted Bamba before inexplicably releasing the ball right at the quick feet of the Lorient centre-forward. This howler would, unfortunately, define Rennes’ performance: dominant in possession, but missing the edge in both penalty boxes.

Alidu Seidu, 6

The former Clermont fullback got the nod from Stéphan instead of Guéla Doué, and he repaid the confidence. He started brightly with a great block to deny Julien Ponceau a clean shot at goal. He was an effective outlet on his right flank and was close to being defensively faultless.

Warmed Omari, 6

Arthur Theate, 5

Adrien Truffert, 4

Ludovic Blas, 5

Baptiste Santamaria, 5

Benjamin Bourigeaud, 4

After scoring five goals in his last three games, the industrious midfielder had a quiet outing this time around, making his presence felt by the numerous balls he lost (close to 20). He was not as influential or as precise as expected from him. Tired legs maybe?

Désiré Doué, 6

The gifted winger has massively improved in his decision-making lately under the tutelage of Stéphan. He was by a mile the most dynamic attacking player and the most exciting talent on the pitch.

Martin Terrier, 4

Arnaud Kalimuendo, 4

Lorient players ratings

Yvon Mvogo, 6

Panos Katseris, 4

Nathaniel Adjei, 5

Julien Laporte, 6

Isaak Touré, 5

Théo Le Bris, 4

Laurent Abergel, 6

Tiémoué Bakayoko, 5

Ayman Kari, 5

Julien Ponceau, 5

Mohamed Bamba, 6

The 22-year-old has taken Ligue 1 by storm since his €3.5 switch to Lorient during the winter transfer window. He has already scored six goals, making him Les Merlus’ top scorer. Again, he was at the right place at the right time with the easiest of tap-ins after Mandanda’s howler. A clinical player to watch.

GFFN `| Bastien Cheval