The defeat stretched Rennes' winless run to 13 in all competitions, doubtless increasing the pressure on Stéphan, and the young coach admitted that the match - in which Sevilla went three goals up, through Jules Koundé and Youssef En-Nesyri (x2), before Georginio Rutter got a consolation from the spot late on - was typical of his side's campaign.

'Over and over'

"This scenario repeated over and over for us in this competition. We had a very good half hour when we created the first big chances and then they opened the score with their first shot on goal. They doubled the lead at the end of the first half," explained Stéphan. "We came back in the second half with very good intentions by creating situations for ourselves. They scored this 3rd goal on one of their rare forays but the players had the will to continue. They persevered and we were rewarded with this goal. There is frustration again at the end of the game."

Despite these recurring themes, Stéphan felt that his young squad benefited enormously from the experience.

Learning experience

"The Champions League has allowed us to grow our squad and our young players. It allowed the whole club to grow and gain experience. Above all, it has shown an essential notion, indispensable at the highest level: taking your chances," he said. "The end of the Champions League is not a relief. It was clear that we were approaching this match as a real European match, to respect this competition to the end. It is merely the end of a chapter of our season."

Now Rennes will look to right the ship in domestic action, hoping to break their win drought when they travel to fellow strugglers Nice on Sunday afternoon.