PLAYER RATINGS | Rennes 1-0 Strasbourg: Ludovic Blas gives Habib Beye managerial Ligue 1 debut win | OneFootball

Ligue 1 McDonald’s, Round 20, 02/02/25

Rennes broke the deadlock against Strasbourg in the dying minutes courtesy of Ludovic Blas. The hosts give themselves breathing space in the lower half of the standings and put an end to Strasbourg’s unbeaten streak.

The Match

Two Rennes winter signings made their debut this Sunday at Roazhon Park with Brest loanee Lilian Brassier and former Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi starting for the first time for Habib Beye’s managerial Ligue 1 debut. Despite their poor run of form as they lost their five games in all competitions since the turn of the year, the hosts were proactive and looked confident in the early exchanges. It took only a minute for Djordje Petrovic to be called upon to parry Arnaud Kalimuendo’s effort.

Strasbourg sustained Rennes’ bout of pressure to grow into the game. Emmanuel Emegha combined with former Chelsea winger Diego Moreira on the left channel, but the Dutch centre-forward missed an open goal from a couple of yards away. Emegha also missed the opportunity to open the scoring just before half-time as he lost the ball despite having rounded past Brice Samba.

The second half yielded little to no goalscoring opportunities with both teams struggling to make their final ball stick in freezing cold conditions. Wales international Jordan James woke Roazhon Park up with a 70th-minute half-volley fizzing over Petrovic’s goal. Samba responded in kind with a strong left-handed side to deny Emegha again.

The game was heading towards a goalless draw when Rennes forced the decision. Adrien Truffert’s corner kick took a big deflection heading to Ludovic Blas in the penalty box. The former Nantes player directed the ball beyond Petrovic’s reach with a clean left-footed effort. Rennes would hold on to three vital points and put an end to Strasbourg’s unbeaten streak.

Rennes player ratings

Brice Samba – 6

Lorenz Assignon – 5

Hans Hateboer – 6

Christopher Wooh – 5

Lilian Brassier – 6

For his first Rennes start, the former Marseille player played as a left-sided centre-back and it must be said he brought much-needed composure and physicality to an ailing back-three. Replaced after sustaining a knock.

Adrien Truffert – 5

Djaoui Cissé – 6

A surprise midfield inclusion as Azor Matusiwa fell ill and Seko Fofana was injured, the 21-year-old looked unfazed for his professional debut. Despite an early and harsh booking, Cissé more than held his own against Andrey Santos and co. Replaced at the hour mark by Crystal Palace loanee Naouirou Ahamada.

Jordan James – 5

Ludovic Blas – 7

Arnaud Kalimuendo – 4

Kyogo Furuhashi – 4

The Japanese international did not shy of his duty to set up the press. But he was left to chase shadows. His influence was minimal and he eventually ran out of gas. The former Celtic striker registered no shot on target. Replaced after the hour mark by 17-year-old Rennes prospect Mohamed Meité.

Strasbourg selected player ratings

Emmanuel Emegha – 3

The Dutch centre-forward took a sudden dip in form at Roazhon Park. He could have easily had a brace in the first alone but his final touch let him down.

Andrey Santos – 4

Djordje Petrovic – 4

GFFN | Bastien Cheval – reporting from Rennes’ Roazhon Park.