Stade Rennais bounced back in style against Strasbourg! Led by a hat trick from Esteban Lepaul, the Bretons secured a historic 4-1 victory in this challenging start to the season. Strasbourg, having missed their chance, failed to climb into the top three in the league.
After six matches without a win, Habib Beye can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Fueled by their youthful energy, Stade Rennais returned to winning ways on their eleventh matchday. It’s clear that Rennes likes to put on a show against the league’s top teams. After Marseille and Lyon, it was Strasbourg’s turn to fall at Roazhon Park!
Beye’s Choice Was Right
It was Strasbourg, however, who created the first scare at the stadium, with a great chance for Amo-Ameyaw. After a pass from Ouattara, the winger fired just wide of Samba’s post (8th minute). A real scare for Rongier and his teammates, but they reacted quickly and decisively. After scoring in Rennes’ draw in Toulouse on Wednesday night, the former Angers player found the net again. Al-Tamari, starting in place of Merlin on the left wing, found his teammate at the near post to open the scoring (1-0, 9th minute).
Playing as a center forward ahead of Embolo, Meïté justified Beye’s decision by scoring his second goal of the season, following a great header from Jacquet (2-0, 35th minute). Rennes, now without their Senegalese coach, were making their presence felt.
Lepaul continues with his program.
Rarely under such pressure this season, Strasbourg suffered a heavy blow at the start of the second half. After scoring before the break, Meïté assisted his teammate Aït-Boudlal down the right flank, who netted the second goal. The striker, who turned 18 a month ago, laid the ball on a plate for his teammate Lepaul, who completed his brace (3-0, 48th minute). In exceptional form, the Auxerre native scored his first Ligue 1 hat-trick, thanks to a magnificent pass from captain Rongier, right on the hour mark! The Frenchman now has eight goals this season, making him the league’s second-highest scorer.
Substitute Nanasi pulled one back (4-1, 77th minute), but the game was already practically over at Roazhon Park. Rennes returned to winning ways after a month and a half, and undoubtedly delivered their best performance of the season! Strasbourg conceded four goals in a match, for the first time since their defeat against PSG on October 19, 2024, and missed a great opportunity to climb into the Ligue 1 podium after Monaco’s defeat against Paris FC.
