Decisive figure lifts Le Mans fightback at Rennes | OneFootball

Louis Mafouta struck in the 30th minute and later converted a penalty, his brace spearheading Le Mans' response in a 3-2 defeat to Rennes.

His opener came from close range, attacking a driven cross and finishing high into the roof of the net to halve the deficit. From there he stayed central, constantly offering a target as Le Mans pushed up.

After the restart he equalised from the spot (54.), sending the kick low to the bottom left after VAR confirmed the penalty. He continued to occupy the penalty area, pinning defenders and demanding crosses.

He finished with five attempts, three on target, and seven touches in the box, underlining a classic penalty area striker's display. Another goalbound effort was blocked as pressure built (65.).

Because Le Mans fed early deliveries and second balls into the area, his movement between centre backs repeatedly unsettled Rennes and kept the game alive deep into the second half.

Le Mans visit Nice next in Ligue 1, while Rennes travel to Angers.