Rennes relaunched themselves in the race for the podium by snatching a precious victory against tough Niçois (2-1) but lost their striker Martin Terrier, released on a stretcher, Monday during the 17th day of Ligue 1. Cut in their tracks Thursday in Reims, where they recorded their first defeat (3-1) since August, the Rennais had fallen from the podium, but they now go back to 4th place, two lengths from Marseille (3rd).
Bad operation on the other hand for Nice, who had stood up to Lens on Thursday (0-0) and who had not lost at Roazhon Park since 2015. Lucien Favre’s men fell to 11th place, 12 points from European places.
Terrier taken out on a stretcher
The evening was however rough for Rennes, which saw Terrier go out on a stretcher, under the worried ovations of the public. Scorer of Rennes’ first goal, he collapsed half an hour into the game, screaming and clutching his right knee after a collision with Nice side Jordan Lotomba.
After registering 21 buses in L1 last season, he was already at 12 in all competitions this season. A possible prolonged absence would be a real blow for Rennes, which has also just sent the young Matthis Abline on loan to Auxerre.
Throughout the match, Bruno Genesio’s men nevertheless worked with intensity and commitment to show that the sinking of Reims was only an accident.
Rennes quickly rewarded
And they were quickly rewarded when Amine Gouiri, launched by Benjamin Bourigeaud, recovered from a heel for Arnaud Kalimuendo. The counter shot from the former Parisian returned to Terrier, who concluded in power under the bar (1-0, 5th).
The Rennais believed they had made the break on another goal from Terrier shortly after, but the action was canceled in the confusion for an offside (16th). And after a first long shot just deflected by Steve Mandanda on the crossbar (10th), Ross Barkley equalized with a superb shot in the top corner (1-1, 21st).
A time struck by the injury of Terrier, replaced by Jérémy Doku, the Rennais then resumed their pressing, pushed by a full stadium.
Deliverance from Bourigeaud
Opposite, as against Lens, the Niçois have tried little in attack. Still as active, the former Rennais Gaëtan Laborde did not touch many balloons.
But despite some fine collective movements, the Rennais have long come up against a determined and well-placed Nice defense and a lack of precision or lucidity in the last gestures.
It was not until the very end of the match to see Flavien Tait, launched by the former Niçois Amine Gouiri, serve Bourigeaud, who concluded from the inside of the foot (2-1, 88th).