LOSC Lille – Stade Rennais: Toothless Rennes Fall In Lille (0-1)

An early goal from striker Loïc Rémy allowed Lille to fall back into their preferred 4-4-2 medium block, absorb pressure and look to play in transition. Meanwhile, Rennes struggled to manufacture offense, as manager Julien Stéphan looked on as his side were stymied time and again by Christophe Galtier’s staunch defense. 
Tactical analysis and match report by K.T. Stockwell.

Wins away from home have been difficult to come by for Lille, so a hard-fought victory over Strasbroug last weekend was a welcome surprise for the northern French side. The win kept Lille within striking distance of Ligue 1’s third-placed side, and Tuesday night’s visitors, Stade Rennais. 

The success at Strasbourg resulted in Galtier doubling down on the 4-4-2 formation which helped him to snatch the victory in the weekend. The back four of Zeki Çelik, Jose Fonte, Gabriel and Reinildo remained in tact. In midfield the Lille manager elected to shift Renato Sanches into central midfield, alongside Benjamin André, while the wide positions were taken up by Jonathan Bamba and Jonathan Ikoné. Up front, once again Loïc Rémy and Victor Osimhen got the nod. 

Meanwhile, Julien Stéphan’s side was coming off one of Ligue 1’s most tremendous finishes, as his side managed to nab two goals in injury time and earn a victory over Nantes in the Derby Breton. Rennes’ ability to raise their game in the second half has become a hallmark of their recent success – with nearly sixty percent of their goals coming in the second 45 minutes of the game. 

Rennes’ imperious form as of late meant Stéphan was . . .