PLAYER RATINGS | Maccabi Haïfa 0-3 Rennes: Martin Terrier scores first goal since return as Julien Stéphan’s side progress

UEFA Europa League, 30/11/23

Stade Rennais secured their place in the knockout rounds of the UEFA Europa League after a comfortable win against Maccabi Haïfa (3-0) in Budapest. 

It was an eery evening in an empty Puskas Arena with the game moved due to the ongoing conflict in Israel. In an empty stadium, Julien Stéphan’s side quickly took control of the game and arguably should have been awarded a penalty when Christopher Wooh was felled in the box. 

However, Rennes wouldn’t have to wait long for their opener. Martin Terrier’s last goal was on 2nd January, but you couldn’t tell. After a nice one-two with Enzo Le Fée, he rifled his shot in at the near post to set his team on their way. The Frenchman, who is still working his way back to full form following his ACL injury, almost doubled his account but he couldn’t get the ball out of his feet to get a clear shot away from inside the box. 

Rennes would get their second just seconds in the second half. Amine Gouiri, who looks reborn since the managerial change, anticipated a poor ball back to the centre-back, intercepted, drove into the box and finished smartly. He almost got a second just minutes later, but his shot ricocheted off the upright and to safety. 

Stéphan’s side saw the result out professionally, not allowing Maccabi Haïfa a route back into the tie and even added a third in injury time thanks to a sublime Fabien Rieder free-kick. Rennes have therefore qualified for the play-off round but can secure their place in the Round of 16 in the final gameweek. 

This was more like the Le Fée that we saw at Lorient. The former France U21 international has struggled since the summer move, but his best attributes were on show tonight. His ball for Terrier’s goal was perfectly