Olympique Lyonnais 1-2 Stade Rennais | Match Report

Stade Rennais pulled off a shock victory over Olympique Lyonnais thanks to Mehdi Zeffane who had only joined from their opponents a couple of weeks ago.

Eyebrows were raised before kick-off when it was announced that there would be only one attacker fielded in the Rennes starting 11. The Rennes fans, already doubtful of manager, Montanier, were left scratching their heads and probably fearing the worst.

Montanier however turned into a Columbo like tactician as Rennes went ahead on eight minutes. It seemed that Montanier had outsmarted his critics from the off as his team capitalised on a defensive mistake. It was plain sailing then for Pedro Henrique who slotted by Anthony Lopes' far corner.

Just as the shock and adrenaline ran through the Rennes faithful, they were brought back down to earth when Nebil Fekir leveled five minutes later. Lyon pressed their opponents in and around the box and eventually Fekir swung the critical shot by Benoit Costil.

Rennes could have gone back into the lead again through another defensive error by Lyon. Whilst trying to head back to his keeper, Rafael couldn't elevate enough power on it and Mehdi Zeffane was unfortunate not to intercept.

Nebil Fekir was at the heart of most of Lyon's attacks as Alexandre Lacazette remained largely uninterested in the game. Fekir manufactured another opportunity to score as he used impressive foot work to create a gap inside the box to swing the ball towards goal. Unfortunately, the direction wasn't perfect and the effort went round the far post.

Lyon continued to control the match and the possession, notching up 65% in points. All that lacked was a perfect scoring opportunity for the hosts. Fekir and Tolisso each had an attempt on goal, but these never troubled Costil.

Before the break, Rennes had one final chance to go back in front. Steven Moreira, who is tipped to leave before the end of the window, held off his marker to lay off to Zeffane who couldn't score from 12 yards.

It couldn't have been a better start to the second half for Rennes as they went in front again through Mehdi Zeffane. The former Lyon full-back manufactured this goal forcing his way to the corner of the box and releasing a powerful striker by Lopes.

A team which should have been in jubilation showed the opposite soon after. Whilst sorting a wall for a free kick, Pedro Henrique and Benjamin Andre got into a visible spat which lasted a several seconds.

As the second half of wore on the amount of goal mouth action diminished. The Lyon fans got on the back's of their team- booing and jeering several players. Fekir tried his utmost best to create a half chance but this wasn't effective.

Rennes also didn't look likely to score another despite the more offensive changes of Kamil Grosicki and Giovanni Sio entering the field. At full time, boos rung round the Stade Gerland stadium and the Rennes players applauded their small traveling support.

Next week, Lyon go north to face Caen while Rennes are back at Roazhon Park to play Toulouse.