FC Nantes supporters haven’t had many opportunities to get excited in 2024, but this is a great one. The Canaries won the derby against Rennes (1-0), thanks to an individual exploit from Moses Simon in the 89th minute.
Previously, the match had changed for the first time at the end of the first period, with the red card issued to Mikayil Faye, who awkwardly cut Kelvin Amian (45th + 4). The debates were balanced, with a big chance on each side, and Nantes pushed in the second half, taking advantage of its numerical superiority, in a way that was not always inspired.
Nantes saved by VAR
While Johann Lepenant missed a first goal ball on a cross from Matthis Abline (73rd), one of the many balls sent to Moses Simon ended up hitting the mark. The Nigerian dribbler managed to pass between two defenders, then placed the ball in the small opposite net of Steve Mandanda (1-0, 89th).
The yellow people exulted, before becoming enraged when goalkeeper Patrik Carlgren, hero of the draw brought back from Paris (1-1), missed a corner, offering the equalizing goal to Christopher Wooh (90th + 5). But the VAR signaled a handball from Rennais, which provoked the ire of Jorge Sampaoli, who was in turn excluded.
With what is only their second success at Beaujoire in 2024, the Nantes residents are giving themselves some fresh air, leaving the red zone, and have perhaps just saved the head of their coach Antoine Kombouaré. For Rennes, on the other hand, the Sampaoli effect seen last week against Saint-Etienne (5-0) has already faded.
