Rennes-OL: Lyon keep their heads! (2-2)
Key moments
13'. Header by Kadewere which does not trouble Salin.
20'. Goal by Grenier on a ball from Terrier. 1-0.
23'. Toko Ekambi hits the post after a fine pass from Memphis on a free kick.
30'. Camavinga's shot is overhit.
43'. Opportunity for Kadewere who fails to direct his shot on target.
56'. Goal by Bourigeaud at the second attempt after an initial save by Lopes. 2-0.
61'. Intervention by Lopes from the feet of Grenier.
79'. Memphis scores on a superb sequence with a chest control and volley. 2-1.
82'. Denayer scores from a free kick from Memphis with a header. 2-2.
87'. Double save by Lopes.
Match summary
Leader since the end of December and alone in the lead over the last three days, OL looked to assert their status this Saturday in a big match away to Rennes. Facing the team currently in 4th, a direct competitor in the race for the podium, Rudi Garcia's men had the opportunity to put considerable distance between themselves and the evening's opponent in the event of a win. In impressive form for nearly four months, they immediately put the locals under pressure but that did not prevent them from opening the scoring through the former Lyonnais Clément Grenier. The reaction was not long in coming but Toko Ekambi could only hit the post. He and his team-mates had less accuracy and fluidity than usual, though against a very well organized Rennes team. We had to offer a little more after the break to hope to reverse the trend.
But it was not, unfortunately, quick in coming. Rennes took full advantage of Lyon’s mistakes and doubled their lead just before the hour mark. The Lyonnais thought they had scored a goal to give themselves hope but it was ultimately denied for handball. With no shot on target since the start of the second half, they still had no solutions, no ideas. Memphis then decided to take matters into his own hands. The captain closed the gap with a brilliant finish before delivering a sumptuous cross to Denayer for the equalizing goal, all in the space of two minutes! This reaction allowed OL to keep its place at the top of the table at the end of the season's first half. It was an incredible performance!
Match details
At Roazhon Park, Rennes.
L1 (Matchday 19) : Stade Rennais FC-OL 2-2 (1-0)
Referee: Eric Wattellier. Attendance: behind closed doors.
Goals: Grenier (20'), Bourigeaud (56') for Rennes. Memphis (79'), Denayer (82') for OL.
Bookings: Aouar (14') for OL. Bourigeaud (87') for Rennes.
Rennes: Salin - H. Traoré (cap.), Nyamsi, Aguerd, Truffert - Nzonzi, Camavinga, Grenier (Tait, 77') - Bourigeaud, Terrier (Rutter, 77'), Doku. Manager: Julien Stéphan.
OL: Lopes - De Sciglio (Diomande, 89'), Marcelo, Denayer, Cornet - Paqueta (Caqueret, 68'), Mendes, Aouar - Toko Ekambi, Memphis (cap.), Kadewere (Cherki, 68'). Manager: Rudi Garcia.
