Stade Rennais' European football aspirations for next season ended after their 1-1 draw against RC Lens on Sunday night at Roazhon Park.
Lens and Rennes played an even match in the first 45 minutes as both teams wanted to leave with all three points, understanding that European football was on the line in this match.
Julien Stéphan and his team recorded eight shots in the first half while Lens countered with six. Neither side found the back of the net and both teams went into the dressing room with the match scoreless.
Shortly after coming out of halftime, Lens would break the deadlock thanks to a goal from Angelo Fulgini in the 48th minute as Les Sang et Or took a 1-0 lead early in the second half.
Franck Haise and his team held the lead for most of the second half and Rennes finally leveled in the second half. Les Rouge et Noirs recorded eight total shots in the second half, with Ibrahim Salah scoring in the 82nd minute to make the contest 1-1 as the match was heading toward a draw.
Neither side was able to secure a late goal to earn all three points, with the score ending 1-1. This result for Rennes (46 points) wasn't ideal as they needed a win against Lens to keep their hopes of playing European football next season alive.
🏁 Au terme d'un duel disputé duquel ils avaient pris l'avantage en début de seconde période, les Lensois ramènent un point en Artois.@staderennais 1⃣-1⃣ @RCLens
— Racing Club de Lens (@RCLens) May 12, 2024
⚽️ Fulgini (48')#SRFCRCL pic.twitter.com/wjnKwgfpDR
The spot for the UEFA Europa Conference League will come down to the final matchday, with three teams vying for sixth place in the table. Lens (50 points) lost the ability to control their destiny heading into the final matchday after this draw with Rennes.
Olympique de Marseille (47 points) have two matches left, so if OM win both contests, they'll end the season with 53 points and punch their ticket to the Europa Conference League.
Lyon (50 points) are the third team in the mix, but like Lens, they'll need to watch the scoreboard and hope that Marseille stumble on Wednesday against Stade de Reims before the final matchday.
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