Talbi rock solid as Lepaul misfires in Rennes 0-2 Lorient ratings | OneFootball

Lorient taught blunt Rennes a lesson in ruthlessness, winning 2-0 against their Breton neighbours, with Montassar Talbi outstanding at the back and Estéban Lepaul off colour. The result extended Lorient's unbeaten Ligue 1 run to eight matches.

L'Équipe highlighted Talbi's authority, noting 15 clearances. On three minutes he intercepted Lilian Brassier's pass, and Jean-Victor Makengo drove a low left-foot finish past Brice Samba from the edge of the box.

Breel Embolo headed wide on 15 minutes, Alidu Seidu struck the post at 17, and an offside call meant Embolo's close-range finish at 27 did not stand. Lepaul had openings in the area but was blocked on 35 and shot too tamely on 37.

After the break Yvon Mvogo was decisive, turning away Djaoui Cissé with a left hand at 47. Lepaul's neat backheel released Seidu at 55 before he made way for Kader Meïté at 59, and Mvogo then parried Quentin Merlin's powerful strike in two attempts at 68, remaining commanding in the air.

Pagis, on since 63, sealed it at 77 when a swift counter launched by Noah Cadiou ended with Avom's cross deflecting off Jérémy Jacquet, returning from suspension, into his path for a close-range finish. It was the forward's sixth of the season. Embolo later departed for Quiñonez on 81, while Brassier endured an off day despite several forays forward.

Source: L'Équipe