Stade Rennais FC lost 4-3 at Paris FC in Ligue 1 on Sunday 18 October, despite a penalty hat-trick from Esteban Lepaul. This defeat, their fifth in a row in the league, extends a dismal run of zero wins and zero draws from their last five matches. Lassine Sinayoko sealed the visitors' fate by converting a spot-kick deep into added time (90+7).
Lepaul opened his account in the 29th minute, cancelling out Maxime López's opener for Paris FC (14'). López restored the hosts' lead just before half-time (45+4). Lepaul equalised again from the spot in the 74th minute, but Sinayoko replied two minutes later (76'). Lepaul completed his hat-trick with another penalty in the 88th minute, before Sinayoko won it for Paris FC with a late penalty.
The Stade Rennais FC forward now has seven goals in seven appearances this season, confirming his status as the club's top scorer.
A struggling defence
The Stade Rennais FC defence conceded four goals for the second time in five matches. The Rouge et Noir have shipped 16 goals during this run of five consecutive league defeats, a worrying trend ahead of a key European trip. This disastrous sequence also includes losses to Laval (1-0) and Lyon (4-0) in Ligue 1, as well as a Europa League draw against Sturm Graz (0-0). Goalkeeper Samba made four saves, matching his counterpart Trapp.
Julien Stéphan's starting eleven was heavily reshuffled at half-time, with Valentin Rongier, Mousa Al-Tamari and Mahamadou Nagida introduced. The team edged the corner count (4 to 3) but was less clinical in the final third, registering seven shots on target to the hosts' nine.
This loss leaves Stade Rennais on a five-match losing streak in Ligue 1. The team must now focus on travelling to Turin to face Juventus in the Europa League this Thursday, 22 October (18:45). The upcoming fixtures will be key for turning their form around.
Manager Franck Haise has reacted to Sunday's 4-3 defeat. He criticised the refereeing for the decisive late penalty. "We'll have to whistle every shirt pull in the box then," said Haise. He also pointed to defensive frailties. The team conceded four goals for the second time in five matches. Defender Charlie Cresswell shared his frustration. He stated you cannot expect to win a match while letting in four. The team now focuses on its trip to Turin this Thursday, 22 October.
