Ligue 1 McDonald’s, Matchday 5, 20/09/25

Nantes have mounted an unlikely comeback to cancel out Rennes’ two-goal lead with Youssef El-Arabi scoring a 96th-minute equaliser.

The Match

The Brittany Derby started in a raucous and defiant atmosphere as it marked Valentin Rongier and Quentin Merlin’s return to their former ground, wearing their formative club’s arch-rivals’ banners. The former Marseille players were heavily booed at every touch. 

Nantes, the least threatening side in Ligue 1 with only one goal scored in four games, showed their wastefulness again. Matthis Abline rose to head Mostafa Mohamed clear on goal, but the Egypt international rushed his attempt to chip Brice Samba. After a subdued start, Rennes marginally grew into the game, neutering Nantes’ attacks and establishing a foothold in the midfield.

Rennes were then awarded a penalty as Tylel Tati deflected a cross from Estéban Lepaul with his arm while he was tackling – a decision that seemed harsh. Ludovic Blas didn’t care and blasted his spot-kick past Lopes with aplomb. Nantes’ confidence looked shot to bits, and Rennes pounced to double their lead. Blas fed Alidu Seidu down Nantes’ left channel. The Ghanaian right-back outpaced Nicolas Cozza to cross for Estéban Lepaul, whose single powerful touch made it 2-0.

In the second half, Nantes enjoyed much more possession as Rennes struggled to come to terms with Habib Beye’s changes. Valentin Rongier and Alidu Seidu were forced off and replaced by Djaoui Cissé and Lilian Brassier. Rennes conceded more fouls and misplaced more passes. Nantes were rewarded for their proactive restart. Junior Mwanga halved the deficit from close range midway through the second half.

Habib Beye went with caution and proceeded to close up shop with Hans Hateboer replacing Ludovic Blas. Nantes continued their efforts to snatch a late equaliser. Les Canaris thought their moment had arrived when Hateboer fouled Youssef El-Arabi in the box. But Brice Samba came up clutch with an excellent save to deny Matthis Abline.

It seemed as though Rennes had got away with it, but Youssef El-Arabi had other plans. For the last kick of the game, in the 96th minute, the former Caen centre-forward sent La Beaujoire into rapture with a beautiful half-volley into Samba’s top left corner. For Rennes, this obviously feels like two points dropped.

Rennes player ratings: 

Brice Samba – 7

Alidu Seidu – 6

Jérémy Jacquet – 5

Anthony Rouault – 4

Quentin Merlin – 5

Seko Fofana – 6

The former Lens midfielder was a commanding presence at La Beaujoire and won the vast majority of his duels. The Ivory Coast international also looks back to his physical best as he spent the full 90+ minutes on the pitch.

Ludovic Blas – 5

Valentin Rongier – 5

Mahdi Camara – 5

Breel Embolo – 3

The former AS Monaco centre-forward is yet to find his groove in Brittany. He had minimal influence on proceedings, lost countless balls and had no clear-cut chances. Replaced by Mousa Al-Tamari in the second half.

Estéban Lepaul – 6

The 25-year-old centre-forward is settling in nicely, on the other hand. His deflected cross led to the opening goal from the spot-kick. Seven minutes later, he was in the right place at the right time to double his side’s lead with a confident finish in the penalty box.

Selected Nantes player ratings: 

Nicolas Cozza – 3

Matthis Abline – 3