The Gym leaves Rennes with a point in the bag, not without having suffered. But the Aiglons remain in the race for European spots, and that’s what counts.
After an exhilarating victory in the first leg (2-1 with two goals in the last quarter-hour), the Gym faces Rennes again for an important match in the race for the European Cup. The Bretons are just behind Nice in the standings.
Generally comfortable away (fifth best team in the league), Nice begins the match with difficulty, dominated by a very attacking Rennes team. Led by Hatem Ben Arfa, the Rennes team makes their mark very quickly, with a direct free kick from the former Nice player hitting Benitez’s post (12th minute). Shortly after, Niang appears threatening but is stopped by Dante.
On the Nice side, there are few chances. Srarfi attempts a shot, but it’s over (27th minute). Danilo tries twice from free-kicks (40th, 47th minutes) without success.
In the second half, Rennes weakens physically but remains dangerous. Hunou hits the woodwork twice, first with a header on the bar and then again on the post.
As for the Nice team, they try several times but Koubek remains vigilant, as shown against Ganago (87th minute). Atal, who came on as a substitute, misses the target with his shot (88th minute).
In the end, both teams leave without scoring a goal. A good outcome overall, even though Saint-Étienne and Montpellier won their matches. The next goals are consecutive home matches against Caen and Guingamp, the two bottom teams in the standings. Given the level of the two teams, it will be imperative for the Gym to take six points to stay in touch with the top 5.
PATRICK VIEIRA’S REACTION
“It’s a good point earned away. Especially considering the first half where we were nonexistent offensively. It was a complicated match against a great Rennes team. We were solid defensively, as we have been all season. Our second half was quite controlled and we had 2-3 chances at the end of the match that we could have played better. But overall, I’m pleased to have gotten a point today.”
DANTE’S REACTION
“Now, every match is decisive. We approach each game to win. Today we faced a great team with significant offensive power. We performed well, we were compact. We tried to play. It’s positive, we need to keep our heads high, we’re bringing back a good point.”
CHRISTOPHE HÉRELLE’S REACTION
“It was important to leave here with something. The draw is deserved for both teams. We knew it was going to be tough; they hit the post and the bar several times, but we were solid defensively and it’s a very good point. We never gave up; on the contrary, we were united from start to finish. Defensively, we feel good. The whole team does the work, and that’s how it should be. We attack together, we defend together, we win and lose together.”
