PLAYER RATINGS | Rennes 4-1 Strasbourg: Bretons end winless streak in emphatic fashion against Liam Rosenior’s Alsatians | OneFootball

Ligue 1 McDonald’s, Round 11, 02/11/25

Rennes returned to winning ways with a convincing home win against Liam Rosenior’s fourth-placed Strasbourg side. Estéban Lepaul netted a hat-trick for the home side.

The Match

Rennes were on a six-game winless streak as they hosted Liam Rosenior’s Strasbourg. Should they were to win in Brittany, the Alsatians would have gone level with second-placed Marseille. They would also pile more scrutiny on Habib Beye’s position in the opposite dugout.

Strasbourg started on the froot foot with several bouts of pressure on the hosts. Samuel Amo-Ameyaw went close with a left-footed curler that went just wide. One minute later, Rennes went ahead. Samir El Mourabet was outmuscled by Djaoui Cissé in Strasbourg’s half. Mahdi Camara drove forward and found Musa Al-Tamari on the left. The Jordanian’s cross was bundled into the back of the net by Estéban Lepaul, who netted his sixth Ligue 1 goal this season.

Lepaul’s goal seemed to have breathed new life into Rennes. On their part, Strasbourg struggled to approach Brice Samba’s goal. It must be said that the decision-making of some of their attacking players was baffling. Joaquin Panichelli was a hard man to find and Julio Enciso lost countless balls. Eventually, Rennes would double their lead. On the second ball of a corner kick, Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal headed at the far post for Kader Meïté to half-volley home, thus justifying Beye’s call to give him the nod at the expense of Breel Embolo.

Strasbourg would have even been 3-0 down had Mike Penders not produced an impressive save to keep out Lepaul’s header. Not for the first time this season, Rennes were 2-0 up, but on numerous occasions this season, as early as Wednesday, the Bretons surrendered a two-goal advantage.

Estéban Lepaul made sure the three points were only ever going to the home side. The former Angers SCO centre-forward put the ball in an empty net after Meïté showed great hold-up play to outmuscle the struggling Lucas Högsberg. Lepaul completed his hat-trick in finding Penders’ top corner from close range following a through ball from Valentin Rongier.

Sebastian Nanasi earned a late consolation goal for Strasbourg, but the Alsatians arguably had their worst-ever performance in Ligue 1 this season whereas, at the same time, Rennes seemed to finally click. Their midfield trio were industrious and their forwards were clinical, which surely means that Habib Beye will hold on to his seat in the dugout.

Rennes player ratings

Brice Samba – 5

Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal – 7

Jérémy Jacquet – 6

Lilian Brassier – 6

Przemislaw Frankowski – 6

Mahdi Camara – 6

Valentin Rongier – 7

The former Marseille midfielder was back to his brilliant best. He nullified Valentin Barco’s influence and had an immense influence at the heart of the pitch, recovering countless balls. 

Djaoui Cissé – 6

Musa Al-Tamari – 6

Kader Meïté – 7

The 18-year-old was given the nod at the expense of Breel Embolo, and he emphatically repaid Habib Beye’s faith with a well-taken goal for the all-important second goal. He was also instrumental for Rennes’ third goal.

Estéban Lepaul – 8

The centre-forward showed again why he is probably the best summer signing from Rennes. The reliable striker emphatically confirmed his red-hot form with a brilliant hat-trick of poacher’s finishes. He has now eight goals and three assists in 11 Ligue 1 games this season.

Selected Strasbourg player ratings

Ben Chilwell – 3

The former Chelsea full-back had a hard time in dealing with the intensity of Rennes ‘ attacking players. His influence was minimal in going forward. Needlessly booked for a late lunge on Mahdi Camara.

Julio Enciso – 3

Joaquin Panichelli – 4

GFFN | Bastien Cheval – reporting from Rennes