PLAYER RATINGS | Rennes 0-0 Lens: Heroic 10-man Sang et Or hold Bretons to stalemate

Ligue 1 McDonald’s, Round 6, 28/09/25

Rennes were held to a goalless stalemate as Lens heroically stood firm despite being reduced to 10 men early on.

The Match

The final game of Ligue 1’s Matchday 6 started with one of the earliest red cards ever seen in Ligue 1. Ludovic Blas split Lens’ defense open with a precise pass towards Seko Fofana. The former Lens midfielder looked through on goal, until Jonathan Gradit cut his effort short by clipping him. Bastien Dechepy gave him his marching orders after only 54 seconds in.

Presented with such an advantage, Rennes looked inhibited, as if the perspective of playing a whole game against 10 players somehow allowed them to take their foot off the gas. Les Bretons became complacent, predictable, and wasteful.

Habib Beye looked not at all pleased in the dugout with Lens now seriously threatening the hosts. Brice Samba produced a stunning save to deny Matthieu Udol’s header from a corner kick that the France international conceded in parrying away Mamadou Sangaré’s ambitious free-kick from the halfway line.

Beye tweaked his team by hooking a midfielder, Djaoui Cissé, for a striker, Musa Al-Tamari. But Rennes’ attack still lacked the bare minimum of intensity and creativity. On the other hand, Lens exerted more control in Rennes’ half courtesy of Odsonne Edouard’s hold-up play and Florian Thauvin’s wide skillset.

Rennes enjoyed more possession in the second half, but their attacking players remained inoffensive against the remarkable Samson Baidoo. On the other hand, Rennes struggled badly to contain the influence of Thauvin, who found his magic back in the Nord. The 2018 World Cup winner could have registered several assists, had his teammates been more clinical.

Both teams opened up in the final exchanges. Estéban Lepaul went the closest to tipping the balance in favour of Rennes, but his brilliant scissor kick was beautifully saved by Robin Risser. Given the circumstances, Lens were tonight’s moral victors, but the spoils were eventually shared at Roazhon Park.

Rennes player ratings

Brice Samba – 6

Alidu Seidu – 4

Anthony Rouault – 4

Jérémy Jacquet – 4

Quentin Merlin – 3

Mahdi Camara – 4

Djaoui Cissé – N/A

The France U21 international midfielder was given the nod as Valentin Rongier was not deemed fit enough to start. The Rennes Academy graduate’s game only lasted 30 minutes, given that Beye replaced him to bring more depth forward with Musa Al-Tamari.

Seko Fofana – 4

Ludovic Blas – 3

Breel Embolo – 2

The Swiss international is yet to find his footing in his new team, but tonight, he was absolutely nowhere to be seen. He had minimal influence and was pocketed by Samson Baidoo. Hooked at the hour mark and replaced by Kader Meïté.

Estéban Lepaul – 3

Lens selected player ratings

Jonathan Gradit – N/A

The centre-back only featured for 54 seconds, but he was, of course, the main talking point of the night. In clipping his former Lens teammate Seko Fofana, the 32-year-old saw red without breaking a sweat.

Samson Baidoo – 7

Florian Thauvin – 7

Since his summer transfer from Udinese, the former Marseille cult hero has adapted very well to Pierre Sage’s requirements. Furthermore, the 2018 World Cup winner looks to fully embrace the responsibilities of being Lens’ difference-maker. Through his workload and his way-above-average technical quality, he was a joy to watch.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval