Lille hold firm to climb into fifth in Ligue 1 | OneFootball

Match in Five Sentences: Lille beat Rennes 2-1 at Roazhon Park. Matías Fernández opened the scoring in the second minute, finishing Nathan Ngoy's through ball from the centre of the box. After the restart Hakon Arnar Haraldsson doubled the lead (47.), before Estéban Lepaul pulled one back for the hosts (59.). Rennes had 59.4% possession and 12 attempts but could not find an equaliser as Lille posted 36 clearances. Lille climb from seventh to fifth and visit Aston Villa in the Europa League next, while Rennes drop from sixth to seventh and host Metz.

Player of the Match: Haraldsson dictated the pockets behind the striker, scored after the interval, created two chances and made eight recoveries to keep Lille on the front foot.

Stat of the Match: Lille made 36 clearances, a snapshot of a back line that repelled late pressure.

Three Things We Learned: Rennes controlled the ball with 59.4% possession and completed 581 passes at 85.0% accuracy, yet produced only four shots on target. Fernández delivered a goal and an assist and won seven possessions, underlining his two-way influence. Lepaul is second in the Ligue 1 scoring chart on 14 goals this season.