PLAYER RATINGS | Nantes 0-3 Rennes: Bretons humiliate rivals in one-sided derby
Lige 1 gameweek 30, 20/04/22
Nantes hosted struggling Brittany rivals Rennes to seal a second consecutive Ligue 1 win which would bring them closer to safety. Antoine Kombouaré’s Canaris started with poise and intensity, winning the overwhelming majority of their duels. However, the hosts were hampered by a general lack of quality going forward, a domain in which Rennes had the clear upper hand. Kombouaré was forced to rethink when defensive midfielder Douglas Augusto pulled out with an injury. The Brazilian made way for left-winger Kader Bamba, who scored a vital injury-time winner against Le Havre last week.
Rennes left-winger, exciting 18-year-old prospect Désiré Doué, went inches from the opener, his brilliant curler palmed by Alban Lafont on his crossbar and post. Doué’s effort proved to be the clearest goalscoring opportunity of a rather dour first half in which both teams lacked precision and ideas in the final third. For instance, Les Rouge et Noir had more bookings than shots on target in the first 45 minutes.
The visitors upped the ante in the second half, but they were still not clinical enough whilst Nantes were more than happy to rely on high balls and counter-attacks. At the hour mark, Les Canaris only ventured once in Steve Mandanda’s penalty box. Rennes were rewarded for their intent. Arnaud Kalimuendo flew past Jean-Charles Castelletto to blast home Guéla Doué’s inviting cross from the right.
Ten minutes later, Castelletto made a mess of the offside trap, allowing Kalimuendo to dribble past Lafont before being fouled by the goalkeeper. Willy Delajod rightfully pointed to the spot for substitute Benjamin Bourigeaud to double his side’s lead. Nantes could have hoped for a grandstand finish, but Mandanda
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