Bentaleb and Akpom Net Late Goals as Lille Overcome Rennes to Ascend to Fifth Place in Ligue 1

Lille’s ambition for a top-four finish in Ligue 1 received a significant lift with a gritty 2-0 victory against Stade Rennais, marking Les Dogues’ unbeaten streak against their rivals at 12 matches (W6, D6).

The teams entered this fixture in very different form; while Rennes had secured back-to-back wins, Lille was grappling with consecutive losses.

Nevertheless, it was the visitors who began brightly, with a corner kick evading all players and reaching Bafode Diakite at the back post, only for the centre-back’s header to be saved on the line.

Rennes found it challenging to assert themselves during the first half, as Lille controlled the possession. Just before half-time, Lille was poised to convert their dominance into a goal when Christopher Wooh was penalised for a handball inside the box.

Chuba Akpom had to wait before taking the penalty due to Brice Samba’s mind games, which proved effective, as the Rennes keeper managed to stop Akpom’s effort.

Newly appointed Rennes manager Habib Beye would have expected a different performance from his team after the break. The hosts came out with renewed energy, as Ludovic Blas delivered a curling free-kick into the box. Lillian Brassier connected with a header, but it ricocheted off the post.

Les Dogues surged downfield and nearly found the opening goal when Akpom slipped Mitchel Bakker through, only for Samba to pull off a superb save with his feet. Akpom remained a threat and believed he had scored the opener just after the hour mark, deftly turning in Ismaily’s cross, but the goal was disallowed as he was deemed offside.

Rennes struggled to make an impact in the attacking third, and their night took a turn for the worse in the 75th minute when Wooh received a second yellow card, leaving them a man short.

With the numerical advantage, Lille pressed for a breakthrough as Bruno Genesio made two attacking substitutions with just 15 minutes remaining. One of the new faces, Nabil Bentaleb, made an immediate mark by scoring shortly thereafter.

The Algerian reacted quickly to slot the ball home after Akpom’s header had been saved from a corner. After being denied all evening, Akpom finally got on the scoresheet himself, following a pass from Bakker, managing to slide the ball past Samba to secure the match.

This victory marks Lille’s first away win in the league in six matches, a streak that has stretched back to October. Genesio will be hoping this win lays the foundation for a charge into the top four. Meanwhile, Rennes’ inconsistent form continues, as they stumble with this defeat, remaining five points above the relegation zone.