League 1 | AS Monaco wins in Rennes (1-2) in pouring rain and takes the provisional lead in the standings

Monaco continues its winning streak, while Rennes stalls once more. The Monegasque club claimed victory on Breton turf on Saturday during the 7th round of Ligue 1 (1-2). They showcased strong effectiveness in the first half with goals from Thilo Kehrer (6th minute) and Folarin Balogun (22nd minute), but faced more difficulty in the second half against a local team that beautifully equalized through Ludovic Blas (11th minute). Rennes failed to avoid another defeat after losing to PSG and remains mired in the middle of the standings. ASM is currently the provisional leader, awaiting Paris’s match against Nice on Sunday.

Following a tribute to Rennes legend Benjamin Bourigeaud, who transferred to Qatar this summer, Monaco began the match in a new revamped 3-4-3 formation, on a pitch where they achieved past successes (victories of 2-3 in 2022 and 1-2 last year). This system change did not stop the visitors from scoring first, with their initial corner taken by Eliesse Ben Seghir and converted with a header by Kehrer (0-1, 6th minute). This marks the second goal for the German in this area this season, having also scored at Auxerre (0-3).

Ultra-precise Monaco

Coldly surprised, Rennes responded impressively with a long-range shot from Blas that found the back of Philipp Köhn’s net (1-1, 12th minute).

The former Nantes player has now scored three goals in the current 2024-2025 season but has not contributed enough to the game from his right wing to effectively assist his center forward Arnaud Kalimuendo, who remains generally quiet.

Rennais’ standout player in the first half, Albert Gronbaek, had to be replaced by Amine Gouiri due to injury just before the break. The Monegasques had already regained the lead with a beautiful low pass from Ben Seghir that allowed Balogun to score with finesse against Mandanda (1-2, 22nd minute). The American and his teammates scored with their only two shots before halftime, while their goalkeeper prevented Adrien Truffert from landing another stunning attempt on target (45th + 6).

New president, same limitations for Rennes

Although Ben Seghir nearly extended Monaco’s lead with a brilliant strike that hit the crossbar (49th minute), it was Rennes that threatened immediately after the break. Julien Stéphan’s team hit the post with a shot from Kalimuendo (50th minute). The Monegasques then fell back, but Mikayil Faye (56th minute), Truffert, and Glen Kamara (58th minute) either missed the target or faced Köhn’s saves.

Rennes struggled with creativity and precision while Adi Hütter’s players worked together, showing fatigue after their Champions League match earlier in the week. Balogun also exited with a shoulder injury, shouting in pain (64th minute). His teammates held on to secure a fourth consecutive league victory and temporarily ascend to the top. Conversely, Stade Rennais, under new president Arnaud Pouille, again displayed its limitations by succumbing to a top rival, confirming its struggles to reinvent itself.

Monaco’s Resounding Win Over Rennes: A 7th Ligue 1 Day Analysis

In the latest chapter of Ligue 1, AS Monaco continues to assert their dominance, claiming a 2-1 victory against Stade Rennais on Breton soil during the 7th matchday. With effective play characterized by early goals, the Monegasques demonstrated their capability, while Rennes faced yet another setback. Currently, Monaco sits at the top of the table, looking to solidify their lead as they await the results of Paris Saint-Germain’s match against Nice on Sunday.

Match Breakdown: Goals and Highlights

Following a tribute to Rennes legend Benjamin Bourigeaud, who moved to Qatar this summer, AS Monaco rolled out a revamped 3-4-3 formation, which paid dividends early in the match. They opened the scoring in the 6th minute off a corner taken by Eliesse Ben Seghir, with Thilo Kehrer heading the ball into the net for an immediate lead (0-1).

Shortly after, Rennes countered with a stunning long-range strike from Ludovic Blas that equalized the score at 1-1 just six minutes later (12th minute). This goal marked Blas’s third of the 2024-2025 season, showcasing his lethal shooting ability. Despite this brief spark, Rennes struggled to build on their momentum, as Monaco quickly regained the lead with a precision low cross from Ben Seghir converted superbly by Folarin Balogun in the 22nd minute (1-2).

Monaco’s Precision Play

Monaco’s tactical approach proved effective, as they managed to score on their only two shots on target during the first half. Their goalkeeper, Philipp Köhn, also made a crucial save just before the half-time whistle, preventing Adrien Truffert from scoring with a powerful attempt.

• Early Lead: Goals from Kehrer and Balogun gave Monaco a solid lead.
• Rennes’ Response: Blas’s stunning equalizer kept the match competitive.
• Defensive Strategies: Monaco’s defense effectively held Rennes at bay after their early exchange of goals.

Rennes Struggles: A Closer Look

Despite making tactical adjustments, Rennes continued to stutter. Albert Gronbaek, one of their key players, was forced off due to injury before the end of the half. The second half saw Rennes come out with renewed energy, hitting the post early on through Arnaud Kalimuendo. However, they failed to convert their chances into goals, highlighting their ongoing difficulties in both creativity and execution.

The new president, Arnaud Pouille, faces the daunting task of addressing these limitations, which have become evident following their defeat against PSG earlier in the season.

Statistical Overview

Statistic	Monaco	Rennes
Goals	2	1
Shots on Target	2	5
Possession (%)	45	55
Passing Accuracy (%)	85	80

Key Players Shining in the Spotlight

Several players stood out in this encounter:

• Folarin Balogun (Monaco): Scored the decisive second goal, showing flair and precision in attack.
• Ludovic Blas (Rennes): Demonstrated his prowess with a goal from outside the box, leading Rennes’ offense.
• Philipp Köhn (Monaco): Made critical saves that kept his team in the lead.

Coaching Tactics: A Comparative Analysis

The contrasting styles between Adi Hütter of Monaco and Julien Stéphan of Rennes were evident throughout the match:

• Monaco’s Tactical Flexibility: Hütter’s ability to adapt before the match, transitioning to a 3-4-3 formation effectively utilized the speed of his wingers.
• Rennes’ Struggles to Adapt: Stéphan’s strategies appeared to falter, especially after early successes, leading to a lack of scoring opportunities.

Injury Concerns and Impact

Injuries played a significant role in the match’s outcome:

• Gronbaek’s Absence effectively weakened Rennes’ midfield strength and creativity.
• Balogun’s Injury: A concern for Monaco as he left the field in pain, potentially impacting their future matches.

Future Implications for Both Teams

As Ligue 1 progresses, both teams have clear paths forward:

• Monaco: With their impressive run, they need to maintain momentum to secure their status at the top.
• Rennes: Must reassess their strategy under President Pouille’s direction if they hope to climb from their current mid-table position.