Brest 3-4 Rennes ratings: Lala struggles, Merlin shines | OneFootball

Rennes edged a Breton derby 4-3 at Brest, Kenny Lala enduring a torrid night capped by conceding the late, decisive penalty. Quentin Merlin led the visitors, involved in half of Rennes’ goals.

L'Équipe highlights the full-backs’ contrasting evenings. The left-back set up Blas on 20 and Embolo on 63, and his interception preceded the move that brought Rennes their first penalty.

Estéban Lepaul converted from the spot on 35 and 74, moving level with Panichelli on 16 goals. He helped create the opener and went the other way with the winner.

Ludovic Blas, making a third straight start, swept home his fifth on 20 and threatened again on 48 and 49. Embolo was erratic but let the ball run, scored on 63, then released Al-Tamari before the decisive 74 penalty.

For Brest, Eric Junior Dina Ebimbe replaced Doumbia behind Ajorque in a 4-2-3-1 and, despite limited influence in possession, struck twice, including on 57. Pathé Mboup was introduced on 76 and headed a stoppage-time chance at 90+7.

Preferred to Luck Zogbé, Lala struggled against Al-Tamari and especially Merlin, as seen on Blas’s goal. He was slow to react for Rennes’ third, then fouled Al-Tamari for a late penalty.

Romain Del Castillo lacked end product, with only four inswingers attempted and 19 balls lost. Bradley Locko, returning at left-back, was exposed on 20 and in the move for the 35 penalty, did provide an assist, yet was again short at 63.

Source: L'Équipe