Stade Rennais maintained their unbeaten record in the Europa League by securing a valuable 2-2 draw away to Juventus on Thursday, 22 October. The result takes the French side to five points after three matches in the league phase.
The match started in the worst possible way for the visitors, conceding a goal to Zeki Çelik after just five minutes from a Nick Woltemade assist. Stade Rennais FC responded well and equalised ten minutes later through Mousa Al-Tamari, set up by Bryan Reynolds. Just before half-time, Boulaye Dia converted a penalty to put his side ahead (43').
The second half was more tense. The Italian side were awarded a penalty of their own in the 67th minute following a handball by Bryan Reynolds in the box, which Nick Woltemade duly scored. Late on, VAR came to Stade Rennais FC' rescue by disallowing a Jhon Lucumi goal for offside.
Man of the match
Mousa Al-Tamari was named man of the match. His goal and attacking drive were key in earning his team a point.
This point keeps Stade Rennais FC in the hunt ahead of the international break. Their recent domestic form has been tougher, with a record of four defeats and one draw from their last five matches. This recent run of zero wins, one draw and four defeats included results such as the 4-3 loss at Paris FC on 18 October, where Esteban Lepaul scored a hat-trick from the spot. Top scorer Esteban Lepaul, with seven goals in seven appearances this season, will be a key asset for the visit of Strasbourg this Sunday, 25 October (17:15) at Roazhon Park, a key fixture to get back to winning ways. The team must now quickly refocus on this next domestic challenge.
Stade Rennais confirmed Boulaye Dia's key role in the 2-2 draw in Turin. The club highlighted his contribution on social media, writing: "𝟭 𝗯𝗼𝗻 𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗮̀ 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻 🪖". The Senegalese striker made way in the 81st minute for his compatriot Issa Soumaré. The previous match was the 4-3 defeat at Paris FC on 18 October.
