Nantes 1 : 1 Stade Rennais FC - Nantes held by Rennes

Posted Monday, November 03, 2014 by PA

Nantes were denied a place in the top four of Ligue 1 after being held to a 1-1 home draw by local rivals Rennes at a raucous Stade Beaujoire.

Rennes took a fourth-minute lead through Pedro Henrique's first goal of the season but Nantes were level within 17 minutes thanks to an own goal from former Canaris defender Sylvain Armand.

Neither side could find a winner after that, leaving them having to settle for a draw which left Nantes unable to dislodge St Etienne from fourth place but at the same time extending both their and Rennes' unbeaten runs.

Nantes had not been defeated in seven league and cup matches coming into this match, while Rennes' last loss was four matches ago, since when they have picked up three wins, including a Coupe de la Ligue triumph over league leaders Marseille in midweek.

No doubt buoyed by that victory, Rennes started Sunday's Breton derby well and wasted little time in taking the lead, Mahamadou Habibou picking out Henrique who held off the challenge from Papy Djilobodji before firing beyond Remy Riou.

Rennes keeper Benoit Costil kept his side's lead intact when he magnificently turned away Oswaldo Vizcarrondo's header in what was a pulsating opening.

The hosts continued to press for a leveller and Yacine Bammou went agonisingly close when he headed Serge Gakpe's delivery against the crossbar but moments later they got their reward.

Jordan Veretout took charge of a free-kick from distance and his delivery into the box was headed beyond his own keeper by the unfortunate Armand.

Veretout almost grabbed his side the lead shortly before the break but he could only fire wide after being picked out by Vincent Bessat as both sides went in level at the interval.

Rennes did manage to beat Riou with 10 minutes played in the second half when Habibou benefited from some good work by Vizcarrondo, but the assistant referee's flag went up to cut short the visitors' celebrations.

Following an exhilarating first half, expectations in the stands were high but the second period failed to follow suit as both sides struggled in front of goal.

The visitors had the ball in the back of the net once again with 77 minutes on the clock when Grosicki picked out Habibou to head beyond Riou, but once again the flag was rightfully raised as the spoils were shared.