Nancy - Stade Rennais : In Rennes, times are changing

An impression of conquest

13 minutes in the game. Montaño steals a ball in N’Diaye’s feet and runs towards Bracigliano’s goal. In a last chance move, the Nancy defender holds “Pepito” with both his arms. The sanction is immediate: red card and the AS Nancy Lorraine are forced to play with ten men for more than an hour.

A turning point, that would then allow the “Rouge et Noir” to take full control of the game. Frédéric Antonetti’s men did not immediately manage to take profit of their power play however, stunned by Lemoine’s bad injury. Clashing in the airs with Lemaitre, the midfielder remained on the floor and did not come back on Marcel Picot’s Synthetic pitch.

Regardless, N’Diaye’s sending off eventually made it easier for the Bretons. Against a rather uninspiring side, Rennes managed to beat the Nancy defence three times, with three beautiful goals, both in their construction and finishing touch. In the future however, the “Rouge et Noir” will have to avoid losing their concentration as they did in some occasions, and particularly after Brahimi’s goal, when the Rennais started waiting for their opponents, triggering Antonetti’s anger on the sidelines.

Lessons can’t be drawn from the first two games in a championship, but it has too be admitted that the warnings sent by the club’s management at the beginning of the season made the squad react with more humility and rigor in all domains. Things that were certainly missing last season in the Rennes dressing room, resulting in a situation Antonetti and his staff are keen not to repeat this year. Thanks to an intelligent recruitment, bringing more competition and potential in all lines, the Stade Rennais seems well ready to hunt positions on top of the table, considering Antonetti’s squad this season.

Leroy-Montaño : Beware, Showtime !

For his first game with his new team, Montaño managed an amazing introduction to the Stade Rennais. Always available, in the construction of chances or calling the balls, he also held the Nancy defence under constant pressure. He also showed all his intelligence in his initiatives, as on Rennes’ second goal, where he took time to look around him and find Brahimi on an ideal position. On his goal, the Colombian impressed with the quality of his control in movement and his composure to hit straight in Bracigliano’s goal’s top corner.

Still in attack, Brahimi wasn’t as active as last week, but he was decisive, scoring an absolute screamer from twenty meters. Bangoura replaced him, and the Guinean international made the best of his time on the pitch, scoring his second goal of the season on a brilliant pass from Leroy. As against Lille, the Rennes playmaker was in control of Rennes’ organisation, giving two assists and always looking for depth. His partnership with Montaño could be a manager’s dream, as the two players seem to have already developed a perfect understanding of each other. Entered to replace Lemoine, Kembo Ekoko did not have much influence on the game.

At midfield M’Vila’s performance was in line with his match with France during the week. Omnipresent at the centre of the field, the midfielder showed supreme skills at recovering the ball while acting as the starting points of his team’s attacking moves, playing short and long balls alike. Finally, Dalmat wasn’t as influent as last week, but the former Sochaux man’s defensive work rate has to be emphasized, and he could have score in the first half, if his header had not finished its run on the post.

Defensively, N’Diaye sending off clearly changed the looks of the game, and Nancy’s chances were nearly inexistent. Not really tried, the back row Danzé - Fanni - Mangane - Théophile-Catherine had a quiet night out. Installed at left back instead of Souprayen since the season started, Théophile-Catherine confirms he could be a long-term solution on that position. In the goals, Douchez barely saw the ball all night, but he showed serenity and composure whenever he needed to get the ball, and on his footing ability.

Man of the Match: Victor Hugo Montaño

Indisputably, the former Montpellier striker made a strong impression for his first game in Rennes’ shirt. Tireless in front of the Breton attack, he made the difference on this team’s attacking movement, by always offering a solution in front of the ball holder. The Colombian marked points on the forward centre position, with an amazing goal to reward his permanent activity.

After match comments

- 24 hours : Just as last year after a 3-0 victory against Boulogne-sur-Mer on the first game week, Rennes only remained on top of the Ligue 1 standing for a day. Leading on Sunday morning, the “Rouge et Noir” are third this Monday, behind Toulouse and Caen.

- Lemaitre, fair play: Involved in Lemoine’s injury incident, the Nancy defender came twice (at half time and after the game) to the Rennes dressing room to take news from the midfielder. On the next day, he declared he was “truly sorry”, and that he would go and visit him to “apologise”, while wishing him a good recovery.

- Big-Bang is back: Converting a pass from Leroy, Bangoura scored his second goal of the season in as many games this Saturday. A good reply to his management, who announced his availability on the transfer market just before the season began.

- Montaño will never learn : Besides his great performance, the Colombian striker remained true to his reputation to be a rough player. Indeed, Montaño is the player who committed the most fouls during this game, along with Nancy’s Sami (4 each). However, he was also the most fouled player, brought to the floor five times over the game.

- Féret wanting back? : Released by the Stade Rennais at the end of his training in 2003, the Nancy attacking midfielder doesn’t seem to hold any grudges against his first club, as he confirmed to L’Équipe : “As soon as I’m back to the dressing room after the game, I always ask for Rennes’ result”. Last season, his name appeared as a possible recruit to join Rennes as a playmaker.