PLAYER RATINGS | Monaco 3-2 Rennes: Maghnes Akliouche shines as ASM confirm return to form | OneFootball

Ligue 1 McDonald’s, Round 19, 25/01/25

AS Monaco secured their first win in Ligue 1 since 7th December, holding on to a deserved 3-2 victory against Stade Rennais at the Stade Louis II.

The Match

Monaco began brightly with Mika Biereth and Takumi Minamino linking up nicely. The former fed the latter twice but on neither occasion could the Japan international apply the finishing touch, shooting straight at Brice Samba on both occasions. It was a moment of brilliance that allowed the home side to take the lead as Maghnes Akliouche whipped out an athletic, acrobatic over-head kick. Samba, somewhat caught by surprise, should have done better.

Les Monégasques should have doubled their lead seconds later but, one-on-one, Aleksandr Golovin saw his shot smack off the bar. Mohammed Salisu also went close before Monaco were punished for their profligacy on the stroke of half-time as Mohamadou Nagida pounced on a poor parry from Radoslaw Majecki to tap in from a tight angle.

Rennes, perhaps fortunate to go in at the break level, soon found themselves behind upon the return from the dressing room. Biereth missed a good chance of Akliouche’s making, shooting straight at Samba but he made up for it two minutes later. The former Arsenal forward’s shot was close to Samba, who contrived to move out of the way of the trajectory of the ball.

The Principality club’s lead was doubled four minutes later. Denis Zakaria pressed well to win the ball back, feeding Akliouche, who went unopposed to the edge of the box before feeding Golovin to finish into the empty net. Zakaria was hurt in the process and was forced off, allowing Rennes to come back into the game.

Substitute Amine Gouiri, linked with a move to Olympique de Marseille, saw one curled effort go just wide but two minutes later, he did get on the scoresheet, profiting from Thilo Kehrer’s missed interception to curl past Majecki. Lucas Michal went close late on, as did Biereth, the latter drawing a good save from the former RC Lens shotstopper.

However, having failed to kill off the game, they were left vulnerable to once again dropping points. Majecki ensured that didn’t happen, pulling off a late save from Mohamed Meité. Rennes remain without a win from their last five games in all competitions and are now very much in a relegation scrap.

For Monaco, it is a timely return to winning ways and – provisionally – they are back on the podium in Ligue 1.

Monaco player ratings

Radoslaw Majecki – 5

His error early in the first half handed Rennes an unlikely route back into the match, however, he responded present at the death, making a crucial save from Meité to ensure that Monaco return to winning ways.

Christian Mawissa – 5

Mohammed Salisu – 6

Thilo Kehrer – 4

Vanderson – 7

Lamine Camara – 6

Denis Zakaria – 7

It was his interception that led to Monaco’s third. However, he hurt himself in the process and, in his absence, Les Monégasques were less controlled and dominant, giving Rennes hope of a comeback.

Aleksandr Golovin – 6

Takumi Minamino – 5

Maghnes Akliouche – 9

A spectacular match from the France youth international, crowned by his acrobatic goal, certainly a goal-of-the-season contender. He also got the assist for Golovin’s goal and, had Monaco been a little more clinical, he could have finished with another couple of assists to his name. He threaded the play and was the major threat throughout.

Mika Biereth – 7

Rennes player ratings

Brice Samba – 3

Only partially redeemed for a late save from Biereth, the former Lens man was at fault for two of Monaco’s three goals. His game-changing errors, coupled with his poor distribution, confirm his poor start to life at Rennes.

Adrien Truffert – 5

Christopher Wooh – 3

Hans Hateboer – 3

Leo Ostigard – 4

Mohamadou Nagida – 4

He was reactive to pounce on Majecki’s poor parry, however, it was one moment in a match punctuated by defensive errors, notably early on as he fed Biereth for a half-chance.

Azor Matusiwa – 5

Jordan James – 4

Seko Fofana – 5

Arnaud Kalimuendo – 4

Ludovic Blas – 5

GFFN | Luke Entwistle