Stade Rennais concluded their pre-season with a victory against Sunderland. Despite a low attendance of only 16,000, the team was able to enjoy the new installations, including new advertising boards and renovated changing rooms. Coach Frank Haise, who joined in February after Habib Beye's departure to Marseille, led the Breton side back to Ligue 1. Key players Esteban LePaul and Valentin Rongier were highlighted for their performance in Ligue 1 last season. The match was described as evenly matched, with moments of dominance from both sides. Stade Rennais FC' attackers, LePaul and Adrien Thomasson, were effective in dropping deep to pull the central defenders out of position, creating space for the wingers. However, Sunderland took the upper hand in the second half with goals from Brian Brobbey and Trai Hume. The match was marked by Reinildo's impressive performance, showing significant improvement in the latter part of the season, and the presence of Diarra, Rigg, and Mundle added pace and energy to the team. The match was concluded with warm applause for Eliezer Mayenda, who was replaced at the end of the game, leaving behind emotions and bittersweet memories.