Match Reports
Meïté hands Rennes derby win over Nantes
In the latest edition of an always-thrilling Breton derby between FC Nantes and Stade Rennais, the hosts picked up their sixth straight win at home thanks to a late goal from Mohamed Kader Meïté.
Stade Rennais came out on top in a feisty and chaotic Derby de l’Ouest, defeating local rivals FC Nantes 2-1 at Roazhon Park on Friday night to kick-off Matchday 30 of Ligue 1 McDonald's action.
The first half was marked by drama early on when Rennes were awarded a penalty following a poor backpass and a foul on Al-Tamari by Anthony Lopes (13'). Arnaud Kalimuendo converted but the goal was disallowed for a double touch in the run up to the penalty. Undeterred, Les Rouges et Noir took control and opened the scoring through captain Adrien Truffert, who converted from close range after a deflected cross found him unmarked at the far post (24’).
Nantes, struggling with Rennes’ high press, lost goalkeeper Anthony Lopes to injury before halftime, who was replaced by Patrik Carlgren. Despite being under pressure, the visitors found an equaliser early in the second half: Mohamed capitalised on a defensive error to slot past Samba (53’). However, any momentum Nantes had was short-lived as Marcus Coco was sent off for a violent elbow on Truffert after VAR intervention (58’).
⏱️ 77' subbed-on
⏱️ 86' scores a winner
Mohamed Kader Meïté 💎✨ pic.twitter.com/lOpFPIVFvk— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) April 18, 2025
Habib Beye's men strike late on
Rennes pushed for a winner and were eventually rewarded in the dying minutes. Following a chaotic sequence in the box where Bamo Meïté thought he had scored, play continued and Lorenz Assignon lashed in a powerful effort to finally beat Carlgren (86’). The goal stood, and the hosts held firm during five added minutes.
It was a crucial win for Habib Beye’s men, who maintained their push for a top half finish in Ligue 1 McDonald's. For Antoine Kombouaré and Nantes, the fight against relegation intensifies in the final four matches.
THE STAT: 6
Stade Rennais have won their last 6 matches against FC Nantes at Roazhon Park in Ligue 1 McDonald's – their best home winning streak against the Canaries in the top flight.
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