Bruno Genesio's side were in possession for two-thirds of the game, but once again had to make do with a draw. The Rouge et Noir took the game by the scruff of the neck on a pitch that was not conducive to the best of performances and had been suffering from a fungus infection for several weeks. They quickly created some good chances, with Ibrahim Salah twice coming up against Benjamin Lecomte (9th and 18th), and Ludovic Blas in midfield being thwarted by a defender (6th).
The first half-hour for Rennes, the next quarter-hour for MHSC. Although they were the first to get off the mark, with Téji Savanier's 2nd-minute effort blocked by Warmed Omari, it took until the 33rd minute for the Pailladins to really trouble Steve Mandanda, who had to be at his best two minutes later when Akor Adams hit the far post.
The second half started like the first, with Brittany dominating the early stages. There was some flavour in the game, but the finishing lacked spice. Amine Gouiri and Fabian Rieder added a little spice to the game, but they were unable to find the net either (66th, 68th) and it was the home side who tried to make the breakthrough, but without much conviction. Only Wahbi Khazri managed to rattle SRFC on the hour mark, hitting the bar. A share of the spoils that suits no one.
In a week's time, the 8th-placed Stadistes will be looking to get back to winning ways in the derby against Nantes on Sunday 1 October at 8.45pm.
Go Rennes!
HIGHLIGHTS
2nd: Wahbi Khazri finds Téji Savanier, whose right-footed drive is parried by Warmed Omari.
4th: Ibrahim Salah curls in a long-range effort that is just wide of the target.
6th: Ludovic Blas fends off two defenders, Bećir Omeragić pounces to prevent the Rennes striker from scoring.
9th: Hooked, Adrien Truffert still manages to give it to Ibrahim Salah. The No.34 strikes at the near post but Benjamin Lecomte makes a save.
18th: Benjamin Lecomte wins his duel again after a good through ball from Ibrahim Salah.
30th: Ludovic Blas puts Adrien Truffert through on goal, but the left-footed effort is off target, a rebound that is difficult to anticipate.
33rd: Steve Mandanda's firm hand on Montpellier's first dangerous shot from Wahbi Khazri.
35th: Steve Mandanda again closes down the angle on the left of his goal to block Akor Adams' shot.
40th: Akor Adams gets the upper hand in the air and heads wide.
44th : Téji Savanier shoots wide from the centre.
---
61st : Montpellier get the better of the counter-attack as Wahbi Khazri hits the crossbar.
66th : Amine Gouiri has just come on, forcing the opposition goalkeeper to be vigilant.
68th: Fabian Rieder's outside left from Amine Gouiri's pass finds the keeper.
72nd: Téji Savanier lifts his header, but it lacks power and Steve Mandanda easily gets hold of the ball.
81st : Enzo Le Fée has to make way for Baptiste Santamaria after suffering a shoulder injury.
86th: Guéla Doué crosses for Benjamin Bourigeaud to head over.
92nd : Téji Savanier's shot from a good position is too wide.
90th+5: Last chance for SRFC from a free-kick. Benjamin Bourigeaud hits it into the wall.
THE MATCH REPORT
Matchday 6 Ligue 1 Uber Eats
Montpellier HSC / Stade Rennais F.C. : 0-0
Sunday 24 September 2023 - 17:05
Stade de la Mosson
Booked:
MHSC: Joris Chotard (yellow 78th), Jordan Ferri (yellow 90th+4)
SRFC: Bertuğ Yildirim (yellow 32nd)
---
Montpellier HSC's line-up:
Benjamin Lecomte, Issiaga Sylla, Boubakar Kouyaté, Bećir Omeragić, Falaye Sacko, Téji Savanier (c), Jordan Ferri, Joris Chotard, Khalil Fayad (Mousa Tamari 74th), Akor Adams (Kelvin Yeboah 81st), Wahbi Khazri (Sacha Delaye 81st)
Substitutes :
Dimitry Bertaud, Christopher Jullien, Maxime Esteve, Enzo Tchato, Mamadou Sakho, Léo Leroy
Coach: Michel Der Zakarian
---
Stade Rennais F.C. squad:
Steve Mandanda, Lorenz Assignon (Guéla Doué 75e), Warmed Omari, Arthur Theate, Adrien Truffert, Nemanja Matić, Benjamin Bourigeaud (c), Ludovic Blas, Désiré Doué (Fabian Rieder 64e), Ibrahim Salah (Enzo Le Fée 75e, Baptiste Santamaria 81e), Bertuğ Yıldırım (Amine Gouiri 65e).
Substitutes:
Gauthier Gallon, Christopher Wooh, Jeanuël Belocian, Mathis Lambourde
Coach: Bruno Genesio
---
Main referee: Stéphanie Frappart
