THE MATCH

Lille came to Roazhon Park with Samuel Umtiti in their squad, and the former Barcelona defender and 2018 FIFA World Cup winner made his first start for the northerners; the ex-Lyon starlet saw his team make a positive start.

Remy Cabella got a powerful shot away that Steve Mandanda did well to push round the post (10') before Umtiti's centre-back partner, Leny Yoro, gave the visitors the lead. The 17-year-old, who must remind Umtiti of himself when he first broke into the OL first team, sent a crisp volley into the net despite the attentions of Nemanja Matic to become the youngest Ligue 1 Uber Eats scorer for Lille since Divock Origi in 2013.

Lille, who kick off their Europa Conference League campaign on Wednesday, had failed to win in seven away outings, but Paulo Fonseca's men looked comfortable as they led at the break. They picked up where they left off after it with Jonathan David testing Mandanda after latching onto a long Lucas Chevalier clearance (50').

Yusuf Yazici then brought a magnificent save from Rennes' veteran goalkeeper, who reached high to palm away the Turkey international's top-corner-bound shot (60'). There was nothing 'El Fenomeno' could do about Bafodé Diakité adding a second though shortly afterwards: Yoro would have had his second goal of the game but for a magnificent reflex stop from Mandanda, Diakité swept in the loose ball (62').

It was the defender's fifth goal of 2023 - only Canada international forward David has scored more for Lille in that time - and it looked all but certain to give the visitors all three points. That was, however, without counting on a late Rennes rally.

Rennes had not bounced back from a two-goal deficit to get points since 2016, and had not done so when trailing by two with just 16 minutes left since 2009, but Bruno Genesio's side, who start their UEFA Europa League challenge on Thursday, finally sparked into life.

On a goalscoring day for defenders, full-back Lorenz Assignon was the unlikely thrower of a lifeline, firing home when Chevalier was hurried into a miscued clearance (74'). Salah, who had replaced Desiré Doué before the hour mark, then finished after good work from Assignon to earn the hosts a point (90'). Ludovic Blas might have made it all three as Rennes finished strongly, but his acrobatic effort flew wide as Lille at least got some just desserts for their efforts (90+6').

THE PLAYER: Lorenz Assignon

The homegrown Rennes full-back has long been tipped to make a big impression; now 23, he certainly did in this game, and looks well capable of replacing the iconic Hamari Traoré on this form.

THE STAT: 9

Rennes are unbaeten in their last nine league matches, but have now drawn the last four after winning the first five.

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