Two clubs in Ligue 1 that everything opposes. One fights only to avoid sinking, the other plays nothing other than the podium. One can live his worst year since 2001 (last descent in the second division of the Greens, reassembled in 2004), the other is headed for one of his best seasons in its history, if he qualifies for his first Champions League. One has held a strong place in France for almost two decades, and has one of the most extensive charts in France, the other has recorded its first trophy (a ... Coupe de France) in almost 50 years. last season. In short, Saint-Étienne can bring a glimmer to its dark season, when Rennes can chain a second final of this competition, during a season about to be successful.
Revenge for Forezians?
By their respective positions in the league, it is likely that for both opponents, Ligue 1 is the priority. But when you're at a match in the Stade de France, why deprive yourself? The SRFC will be keen to assume its position of favorite, and to defend its title, as Julien Stéphan said after the match against Toulouse: “We will simply project ourselves into the semi-final at Saint-Etienne. We have a very exciting challenge. We want to defend our title as long as possible ”. For its part, ASSE will want to take revenge.
Indeed, the first leg in the league between the two protagonists had resulted in a snatch victory for the Bretons. Damien Da Silva had offered the victory to his team in the 94th minute on this 15th day. For one as for the other, this duel had not been without consequence. After that, Rennes had won 4 games in a row in L1. But for the Forez club, this defeat ended 7 games without defeat, and marked the beginning of their troubles. Of the 12 league games played since, the Greens have lost 9, winning two and drawing one. Before this match, Puel's men occupied 5th place, while those of Julien Stéphan were in 11th position. Today, Rennes is 3rd, Sainté 16th.
A defensive gap
The big problem for ASSE this season, and which is a good asset for Stade Rennais, is defense. In this ranking, the “Chaudron” players occupy 18th place in Ligue 1, with 44 goals conceded in 27 games. They only kept their clean sheets 5 times, and only won once more than one goal away (against Nice, 4-1, 16th day). The red and black club, for its part, conceded almost half the goals in the league (24), for 9 clean-sheets.
What also plumbs the season of Bouanga and his teammates is the bad understanding that seems to reign in the locker room. Different media have reported internal problems between Puel and his executives. In particular Timothée Kolodziejczak, excluded from the group between the 16th and the 24th day. Like Stéphane Ruffier, emblematic goalkeeper of the club since 2011, not selected for 2 games.
But the locals will have the significant advantage of being able to count on the 12th man, reputed to be fervent at Geoffroy-Guichard. Besides, if the stadium will not be full (30,000 seats hoped against 42,000 possible), the two Kop will be. The Greens Angels 92 called for a massive mobilization of their people. “More than ever, players will need a stadium that rocks the game. We need to show our players a sample of what the Stade de France will be like if they take the green people there, ”they wrote in a statement. The Bretons, for their part, will be around 400 to settle in the stands of the Cauldron. Thus, everyone will have assets to assert. Sainté, capable of showing two radically different faces, can surprise his rival if the team feels united. Otherwise, a Rennes stadium that is often disciplined will make one bite.
Read also
- Calendar-Results - CdF
