Stade Rennais FC ended a poor run of form with a commanding 3-0 win over Strasbourg at Roazhon Park on Sunday 25 October. The victory, fueled by a Sebastian Szymański brace and a Boulaye Dia strike, provisionally lifted Stade Rennais FC to the top of the Ligue 1 table with 16 points.
Manager Franck Haise praised his team's response after a tough period. "When there’s spirit and character, it helps you bounce back quickly," he told reporters. The coach felt the three-centre-back system deployed for the match brought solidity and freed up certain players. This success is all the more important as it follows a difficult recent run of zero wins, one draw and four defeats from their last five matches.
A needed reaction
Boulaye Dia opened the scoring with a strike in the 34th minute, assisted by Przemysław Frankowski. Sebastian Szymański doubled the lead before halftime (41st) from a Mahamadou Nagida pass, then sealed the win in the second half (61st) after a Mousa Al-Tamari delivery. The 27,860 spectators saw a much sharper Stade Rennais FC side, particularly in attack, though the club's top scorer this season, E. Lepaul with 7 goals, did not find the net. This offensive display contrasts with recent setbacks, such as the 4-3 defeat at Paris FC on 18 October or the 2-2 draw at Juventus on 22 October, where Dia and Al-Tamari had also been on the scoresheet.
Haise highlighted individual progress, like Nagida's growing confidence, and the good form of the wing-backs overall. He also noted Quentin's positive start and the impact of Frankie, who provided an assist. The manager stressed the need to maintain defensive cleanliness, praising a last-ditch save from Charlie Cresswell when the result was secure.
Challenges ahead
This performance provides welcome relief before a tricky away trip to Nice on Saturday 31 October. Haise warned his team must "provide further answers" in the upcoming fixtures, notably against OGC Nice, Olympiacos in European competition, and LOSC Lille. The aim is clear: to "become increasingly solid" and build on this positive momentum. The upcoming fixtures schedule will be decisive in confirming this return to the forefront. The final word goes to the coach: "We can always do better."
More detail at staderennais.com
