Stade Rennais – Lille OSC: Les Dogues show bite ahead of Aston Villa clash (1-2)

The race for Europe is growing tighter in France. Coming into this game, only two points separated Lille OSC in 7th from Stade Rennais in 6th. A win for either side would send them 5th and above AS Monaco. Lille would dominate the first half before a more contained approach would allow Rennes to grow into the game. It wouldn’t be enough for the hosts as Lille grabbed a valuable three points, in what could prove to be a turning point in their season. 

Tactical analysis and match report by Nick Hartland.

After parting ways with Habib Beye (now at Olympique de Marseille), Stade Rennais have gone on a four-game winning streak, beating Paris Saint-Germain, AJ Auxerre, Toulouse FC, and OGC Nice. Franck Haise, who has been in charge of the latter three games, has yet to see his new side concede a goal as he mounts a late charge up the table. 

Lille OSC would have only a few days to lick their wounds from their midweek defeat to Aston Villa in the UEFA Europa League. There would be no time for rest with a crucial fixture against European rivals Rennes. Les Dogues’ form has slipped since the winter break, and goals have been hard to come by. The club are searching for a turning point. 

Haise set his side up in a 4-4-2 formation. Brice Samba was in goal behind a back four consisting of Quentin Merlin, Lilian Brassier, Anthony Rouault, and Mahamadou Nagida. In midfield, Valentin Rongier and Mahdi Camara were flanked by . . .