PLAYER RATINGS | Rennes 1-1 Marseille: Bretons defeat Les Phocéens on penalties
Rennes hosted Marseille at the vibrant Roazhon Park for a cracking Coupe de France tie this Sunday between two title contenders. Coincidentally, both teams faced off at the same stage of the tournament last year – Igor Tudor’s side came out winners at the Vélodrome courtesy of a strike from Mattéo Guendouzi. Tonight’s winners will face third-tier side Sochaux in the RO16 stage.
After an enterprising start, Rennes gradually allowed Marseille a way into the game. Vitinha and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang both missed opportunities to open the scoring. Les Phocéens suffered an early injury setback with left-sided wingback Amir Murillo limping off the pitch. Marseille manager Gennaro Gattuso would be hit by a double whammy with promising midfielder Bilal Nadir being stretchered off for a foot injury. Out-of-favour winger Luis Henrique entered the fray. Marseille’s reaction to contrary events showed their character.
Jeanuël Belocian and Guéla Doué both missed Jonathan Clauss’ cross from the right – Jordan Veretout did not. The France international midfielder lashed a powerful half-volley in Gauthier Gallon’s top left corner. Not for the first time this season, a lapse of attention at the back had dire consequences for Les Rouge et Noir. The visitors would have gone 2-0 up had Belocian not blocked Vitinha’s effort.
This entertaining first half had another twist coming. Substitute Ulysses Garcia was adjudged to have fouled Arnaud Kalimuendo in the penalty box – a controversial decision to say the least. The ever-reliable Benjamin Bourigeaud stepped up from the spot and Pau Lopez denied his attempt, as well as the rebound.
The penalty warning seems to have fallen on deaf Marseille ears. Rennes were pushing hard for an early equalizer in
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