Teen Meite nets the decisive goal as Rennes narrowly defeat 10-man Nantes in crucial win

Stade Rennais seemed all but finished in January, making their confirmation of Ligue 1 survival over the Easter weekend all the more fitting. A late header from Mohamed Meite secured a 2-1 victory against 10-man Nantes in the Derby de la Bretagne.

After an energetic beginning, the visiting side appeared on the brink of conceding when goalkeeper Anthony Lopes rushed out to intercept a disastrous backpass from Douglas Augusto, only to take down Musa Al-Taamari in the process, resulting in a penalty for the Red and Blacks.

Arnaud Kalimuendo stepped up to take the kick but saw his effort disallowed for a double touch, as his shot struck his standing foot.

Unfazed, the home side continued their endeavour, and only an impressive double save from Lopes prevented goals from Seko Fofana and Azor Matusiwa.

Eventually, the deadlock was broken as captain Adrien Truffert fired a well-placed angled shot into the far corner from the left side of the box, making it 1-0.

Jeremy Jacquet had the chance to extend the lead before halftime, but his header looped onto the crossbar.

Overall, it was a disappointing first half for the Canaries, not entirely surprising given their winless streak over the last 11 away encounters with Rennes.

Things soon took a turn for Nantes, as Mostafa Mohamed found the net to equalise with his side’s first shot on target, slotting home after the ball fortuitously fell to him in the box.

However, this moment of hope was short-lived, as just minutes later Nantes were reduced to 10 men.

After VAR intervention, Marcus Coco received a red card for a reckless elbow to Truffert while trying to usher the ball out of play. From that point on, it was predominantly one-way traffic, although the visitors defended resolutely to preserve their point.

Lilian Brassier and Anthony Rouault came agonisingly close for Habib Beye’s side in their search for a winner, and they finally got their reward in the 86th minute. Truffert delivered a tantalising cross from the left, which Meite headed in off the crossbar.

With no time left for Nantes to respond, Rennes celebrated moving 11 points clear of the relegation zone, having secured their seventh win in the last 11 games. Nantes, meanwhile, remained precariously just three points above the drop zone.