Rennes beat Angers 2-1 and stay in the Ligue 1 top group

Rennes added another key result in Ligue 1 on Sunday, recording their second straight win with a 2-1 away success at Angers. After their 3-2 triumph over Le Mans last weekend, Franck Haise’s team held firm through a nervous finish and climbed into the top five, reaching 7 points after the third matchday and sitting fourth.

Angers make it difficult

The match started with an early warning for the visitors: Jim Allevinah triggered the first scare inside the opening minutes. Rennes then took control. In the 9th minute, Przemyslaw Frankowski opened the scoring after a setup from his compatriot Sebastian Szymanski, finishing with a left-footed strike (1-0). Soon after, a low cross created chaos and Jordan Lefort turned it into his own net (2-0 in the 17th).

Angers responded before the break. A right-wing corner from Branco Van den Boomen was headed in by Carlens Arcus for his first Ligue 1 goal (2-1, 35th). Lopes then kept Rennes in front with two stops late in the first half, denying Mahdi Camara (44th) and Estéban Lepaul (45th+5).

Controlled, then relieved

After half-time, the game opened up. Rennes created chances but lacked the final punch, while Angers pressed and searched for counters. Charlie Cresswell threatened (61st) and Blas and Al-Tamari also went close before the contest became more balanced. With Rennes protecting their lead, Angers found a final moment: Usman Simbakoli headed against the crossbar from a corner in the 88th minute.

L'Équipe also stresses that Rennes will need to be tougher defensively going forward, with a demanding run coming up: a home game against Marseille on Friday 11, a trip to Lyon on Saturday 19, and a Europa League match versus Sturm Graz in between on Wednesday 16.