Stade Brestois 29 1-2 Stade Rennais FC

THE MATCH

Just 13 minutes remained when Grenier smashed his penalty straight down the middle and in to secure the points for Rennes at the Stade Francis-Le Blé after Franck Honorat was penalised for a boot in the back of Adrien Truffert as the home side defended a corner.

It was Grenier’s third goal in the last four games for Rennes, who are unbeaten in seven, with five wins, since their disappointing UEFA Champions League campaign came to an end. That form leaves them still in fifth place at the end of the weekend, but they are behind AS Monaco in fourth only on goal difference and they remain within striking distance of the top three.

The afternoon had not started well for Julien Stéphan’s side, as Brest went in front within four minutes when Honorat followed up to score after Romain Salin had blocked his initial effort.

However, Rennes were back level in the seventh minute through Benjamin Bourigeaud, who arrived at the back post to convert Martin Terrier’s low driven ball. They then set about keeping Brest at bay, aided by the woodwork, as Steve Mounié struck the post just after the half-hour mark.

Salin saved from Brendan Chardonnet early in the second half to keep the scores level and, after Grenier’s penalty, Brest were denied by the frame of the goal again. Once more it was Mounié, the big striker’s header rebounding off the top of the bar with a minute remaining as Rennes held on and inflicted a third defeat in four outings on their regional rivals.

THE PLAYER: Franck Honorat

It was a bittersweet afternoon for Honorat, who scored the opener for Brest and has now been involved in eight goals in the last 12 matches for his side, with five goals and three assists. He has six goals in total this season. However, he gave away the late penalty which allowed Rennes to snatch all three points.

THE STAT: 3

Clément Grenier has scored three goals in his last four Ligue 1 games, as many as in his last 50 top-flight appearances.

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