Ligue 1

Second in the standings, Stade Rennes could temporarily take the lead in the league this Saturday. But to beat Lens and stay at the top, according to Frédéric Antonetti, the Rouge et Noir need to improve their attack.

In the Pinault era, László Bölöni will remain as one of the managers who truly contributed to help Stade Rennais FC evolve at the middle of the 2000s. A pioneer in his duty, the Romanian from Hungarian descent brought in an infallible method of work, which would allow Rennes to return to the European stage after a drought of nearly thirty years. Taciturn in appearance but a friendly manager in private, Bölöni returns to the Stade de la Route de Lorient for the second time since his departure in June 2006. And he returns as a hero.

If a player is surprising everyone at the moment, it has to be Ghanaian international John Boye. A disputable player in the Reserve since his arrival 2008, John Mensah’s spiritual son amazes everyone since he arrived in the first team, two weeks ago. A few months before the end of his contract, the Rennes centre back could well be on the way to definitely kick-start his professional career.

Ligue 1, Toulouse 1 - 2 Stade Rennes. A first success on the road since September 25th for a good operation in the league standing, Théophile-Catherine succeeding to Briand, Montaño doubles, a game unfolding nearly in the same way than its first leg… All echoes after Rennes’ victory in Toulouse.

Ligue 1, Toulouse 2 - 1 Stade Rennais. Despite a clear domination by Toulouse, Stade Rennes managed a victory in the south of France thanks to goals by M’Vila and Montaño. Rennes earn their first victory on the road since September and keep their second place in the league, two points only behind the leader, Lille.

Ligue 1, Toulouse - Stade rennais, Sunday, 21:00 CET. Frédéric Antonetti has called a squad of eighteen players for this game. Seven players are out injured, including Yacine Brahimi and Jean-Armel Kana-Biyik, both suffering with thigh injuries. As expected, Stéphane Dalmat and Georges Mandjeck return.

This Friday, Frédéric Antonetti came to the rescue of Stéphane Dalmat, arrested on the road to Bruz as he was under the influence of alcohol. The managed is persuaded that off the pitch issues won’t affect the performance of his player, included on the starting eleven for Sunday.

Before the game between Stade Rennes and Toulouse, part of Ligue 1’s 24th game week, Stade Rennais Online look back at a crucial game between the teams, in May 1998 at the Stade de la Route de Lorient.

Ligue 1, Stade rennais 2 - 0 Nice. Rennes returns in second position, Boye is the « best defender in the squad » according to Antonetti, a seventh taker for as many penalties, Leroy finds his touch again to assist, Montaño finds his to score… All echoes after Rennes’ victory over Nice.

Stade Rennais 2 - 0 Nice. By managing their sixth consecutive home victory in Ligue 1, Stade Rennes is now alone in 2nd position. Against Nice, the Bretons have made the difference in the second half with a goal by Montaño and a penalty by Boukari.