The scenario is cruel for Stade Rennais. There is reason to regret an obvious refereeing error, and a goal in the very last moments which complicates everything. But at the end the Reds and Blacks lose well against Leicester, for this round of 16 first leg of the Europa League Conference (2-0).
Leicester opened the scoring thanks to a powerful strike from Marc Albrighton (30th). Behind Stade Rennais will have been silent for the rest of the first half. Yet Rennes imposed wide dominance at Leicester in the first 25 minutes. With a very prominent Jérémy Doku, delivering excellent balls. But nothing goes deep.
A forgotten hand?
The difficulties continue in the second half, where Rennes will never really find the facilities of the first minutes. Like captain Hamari Traoré, far from his usual level in this meeting. Stade Rennais is not helped by arbitration either. Central defender Caglar Soyuncu touches a ball with his hand right in front of his goalkeeper but the referee does not flinch. Video assistance, absent in the Europa League Conference, is not there to settle the debate.
The change of system and the entries of Lovro Majer and Flavien Tait will do some good. Stade Rennais will regain color but this coaching from Bruno Génésio does not allow them to equalize. It is necessary to wait for the very last minutes to see Kelechi Iheanacho crucify the Red and Black. Height of cruelty with this added time goal (93rd).
Leicester, even deprived of their star striker Jamie Vardy, have imposed its realism at Stade Rennais. With three shots on target and two goals, Rennes cashes, once again this season, too easily. The Rouge et Noir will have to rely on a boiling atmosphere at Roazhon Park to hope to catch up with the two goals behind and hope to qualify for the quarter-finals.