The fact there has been three or more goals in nine of Angers’ last ten Ligue 1 matches and also in seven of Rennes’ last ten pointed towards a thrilling game at the Stade Raymond Kopa. However, chances were scarce in the first half. Arnaud Kalimuendo had his shot blocked on the rebound from close range, before Paul Bernardoni got across well to make a diving save from Benjamin Bourigeaud’s free-kick. The visitors were dominating the ball as expected, and they appealed for a penalty for handball from Ibrahim Amadou, but after checking the incident the officials saw nothing wrong.
Angers had conceded 27 goals so far this season prior to the game, the worst record in Ligue 1, and this unwanted statistic continued with two minutes remaining in the first half when Bourigeaud’s through ball found its way to Amine Gouiri, whose first-time shot found the right corner to give the visitors a 1-0 lead at half-time. Gouiri has now scored in each of his last four Ligue 1 games, equaling his best streak in the top flight.
Angers came out for the second half with real purpose, and they found an equaliser when Adrien Hunou’s precise through ball played Amine Salama in, and the forward rolled the ball under Steve Mandanda to draw Le SCO level. Keen to reestablish their advantage, Rennes came close when Hamari Traore’s header was well saved by Bernardoni, before Arthur Theate’s effort flew just over the crossbar. It didn’t look as if either team was going to find a winning goal, however, in the second minute of stoppage time Ibrahim Amadou brought Matthis Abline down inside the area, and Majer made no mistake from the spot to clinch all three points for the visitors.
Rennes climb to fourth place, while Angers remain 19th and in big trouble at the bottom.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Benjamin Bourigeaud (Rennes)
