Stade Rennais FC played out a 0-0 draw with Olympiakos on Wednesday in the fourth round of the Europa League. The solid result at Roazhon Park keeps the Breton club unbeaten in the competition.
Manager Franck Haise felt the draw was a fair reflection. "Considering the match we played, I think it's a good point," he said. He added, "I think the draw reflects the forces in presence and the moments of the match first." This defensive performance, a welcome response after conceding five goals at Nice last weekend, was built on a rediscovered collective solidity.
Oliveira makes his debut
The match also marked the official debut of defender Gonçalo Oliveira. Integrated into the squad for the first time, the Portuguese was thrown in at the deep end and impressed with his reading of the game and aerial duels. His reassuring display offers Haise a new option in a department that has faced recent difficulties.
With this point, Stade Rennais now has six points from four matches (one win and three draws). Olympiakos, which had won its first three matches, remains top of the group but sees its lead trimmed. For Stade Rennais FC, this three-match unbeaten run in Europe contrasts with a tricky domestic form, where the team has failed to win any of its last five league games (DLLDL).
Focus now shifts to the home clash with Lille this Sunday, 8 November in Ligue 1, a key fixture to turn things around domestically. The squad will be without top scorer Enzo Lepaul, who has seven goals this season, as well as Anas Ait Boudlal and Valentin Rongier, all currently sidelined.
More detail at Le Figaro Sport
The 0-0 draw against Olympiakos Piraeus on November 4 was built on specific tactical instructions. Franck Haise detailed his approach. "I didn't want us to open up," explained the manager. He praised the team spirit and solidity rediscovered after the 5-2 defeat in Nice. The draw allows Stade Rennais to maintain their unbeaten run in the Europa League.
Stade Rennais will face NEC Nijmegen for their next UEFA Europa League match. The club confirmed this fifth group stage fixture will take place on Thursday, 26 November. The trip to the Netherlands will be the Bretons' next continental engagement, as they remain unbeaten in the competition following their 0-0 draw with Olympiakos Piraeus on 4 November.
