Rennes 3-1 Panathinaikos: Salah Strikes In Brave Rennes Victory
Written By: Abidoye Babatunde
10-man Rennes took a huge step towards qualifying for the European knockout stages for the third consecutive campaign after beating Panathinaikos 3-1 in their UEFA Europa League contest.
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After failing to win in their last four league attempts, Bruno Génésio’s Rennes men might have been relieved to partake in continental competition, especially as they beat opponents Panathinaikos just a fortnight ago. Even so, considering their boss has recently spoken about “low confidence” in his group, he would have been delighted to see his side burst out of the traps. The incessant pressure culminated in Fabian Rieder finding the net from 20 yards out on nine minutes, with a large slice of help from visiting goalkeeper Alberto Brignoli.
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The keeper, who has only kept one clean sheet in his last six European away games, summed up the Greek side’s nervousness at the back. But after Brignoli partially redeemed himself by thwarting Arnaud Kalimuendo, Rennes suffered their own defensive mishap when Jeanuël Belocian’s clumsy pull in the box resulted in him being dismissed. Fotis Ioannidis made no mistake from the spot, with the game completely flipped on its head as the half time whistle blew.
The second half commenced with some predictably backs-to-the-wall defending from the hosts, with goalkeeper Gauthier Gallon his side’s hero as they fought to put out fires at the back. To Rennes’ credit, this did little to affect their attacking ambitions as a clear game plan developed in soaking up pressure before bursting forward on the counter. These tactics, along with some inspired changes, would pay off in style, when a delightful move was rounded off by substitute Ibrahim Salah in the 65th minute.
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Clearly rocked by Rennes’ second, things quickly went from bad to worse for the Greeks as ex-Premier League star Nemanja Matić was felled in the penalty area. Ludovic Blas blasted his subsequent spot-kick into the roof of the net to mark an unbelievable 3-1 lead for the 10-man side. Panathinaikos never truly recovered from the ruthless double-blow in time to mount a comeback, resulting in a highly satisfactory evening for Génésio and his side, who showed huge character in sealing a win that leaves them primed to progress from Group F.
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