Stade Rennais' aspirations to play in a European competition next season took a hit after a 2-1 home loss to Toulouse FC on Saturday night at Roazhon Park.
SRFC had nine total shots in the first half, and the youngster Désiré Doué opened the scoring in the 20th minute to give Rennes an early 1-0 lead. Despite being on the road, Toulouse would respond with two unanswered goals before the first half ended.
Venezuelan standout Cristian Cásseres Jr. leveled the scoring in the 22nd minute, scoring from just outside the box for his career Ligue 1 goal. Ten minutes later, Moussa Diarra's goal in the 32nd minute gave Les Violets a 2-1 lead.
El torito 💪😈 https://t.co/jYQ3vaS8BN
— Toulouse FC (@ToulouseFC) April 13, 2024
Julien Stéphan and his team were more aggressive in the second half, firing ten total shots as they looked for the equalizing goal. Toulouse countered with four total shots to find that insurance goal and comfortably secure all three points.
The game-tying goal didn't come for Rennes, as Carles Martínez Novell and his team left with the win. Les Rouge et Noirs' home loss isn't ideal since it hurts their chances of remaining in the race for a European competition next season.
With just five matches remaining in the 2023-24 Ligue 1 season, Rennes can't afford to lose any more points as the competition for European spots next season is tight, leaving little room for error. Rennes will face FC Nantes next weekend as they look for a bounce-back win.
After the win over SRFC, Toulouse are ten points above the relegation playoff spot. They will now have an opportunity to enter the top half of the Ligue 1 table next weekend when they welcome Olympique de Marseille.
