Stade Rennais FC secure 4-1 win over Auxerre ahead of Europa League test

Stade Rennais FC ended a poor run of form with a 4-1 victory over AJ Auxerre on Sunday 11 October at Roazhon Park in Ligue 1. The win, their first in three league games, provides a timely boost ahead of Thursday's Europa League fixture against OFI.

Franck Haise selected a 4-3-3 starting lineup with Samba in goal, a defence of Reynolds, Cresswell, Rouault and Nagida, and an attack led by Lepaul, Soumaré and Tamari. Stade Rennais FC opened the scoring in the 15th minute through Esteban Lepaul, who headed home from a Cresswell corner. The forward, now the club's top scorer this season with four goals, made no mistake. Auxerre equalised ten minutes later through Archer, who finished a quick counter-attack from a Diop pass (25').

The second half saw the hosts regain control. Adrien Thomasson netted Stade Rennais FC' second goal in the 53rd minute, assisted by Reynolds. Despite the commanding scoreline, manager Franck Haise acknowledged defensive vulnerabilities. "Despite the scoreline, Franck Haise's men were notably troubled by several Auxerre transitions," he said after the match. The game saw Stade Rennais FC pick up four yellow cards, including one for Anthony Rouault.

Late substitutions proved decisive. The introductions of Blas and Dia in the final quarter-hour paid off. The Senegalese striker even scored a late brace in added time, first from a Blas pass (90') and then from another Reynolds cross (90+1') to seal the 4-1 win.

This attacking display, with 21 shots and 10 on target, contrasts with recent struggles. Before this match, the team was on a five-game winless run in the league (LLLDL). They can now approach their next European assignment with more confidence. Stade Rennais host OFI Crete this Thursday 15 October at 21:00 at Roazhon Park for their third Europa League group stage match. The squad remains without Quentin Merlin and Arnaud Nordin. A look at the upcoming fixtures shows a key trip to Lens next Sunday.