The two teams entered the match well enough, but it was Bordeaux who were the more dangerous going into the match. The speed of his Honduran player Alberth Elis hurt the Breton defense a lot. Despite having tried everything, the Bordeaux gave way shortly after the twentieth minute of the game: Benjamin Bourigeaud, launched in the back of the defense by a long opening from Arthur Théate, offered sublime control before calmly adjusting the Girondins’ Polish goalkeeper, Rafal Straczek. Even if they put on a little less intensity, the Girondins were still rewarded for their good first period thanks to an added-time Josh Maja goal.
In the second half, the Rennais returned with much better intentions. The Rossoneri intensified their intensity and it immediately materialized on the scoreboard. In the 53rd minute Jeremy Doku took advantage of a favorable counterattack in defense to get back on track and shoot on goal. His blocked shot deceived the Girondin goalkeeper and allowed Stade Rennais to double their lead. Just under fifteen minutes later, Bordeaux right-back Malcom Bokele was fouled too aggressively in midfield and was sent off. David Guion’s men showed great courage but failed to score an equalizer. Rennes is in the round of 16.
