Rennes deepen Marseille's early-season uncertainty

Rennes moved provisionally to the top of Ligue 1 after beating Marseille, adding to the concern around the visitors’ start to the season. OM controlled much of the first half but failed to turn that authority into a goal, and left Brittany with nothing to show for its performance.

The decisive moment came in the 52nd minute, when Ludovic Blas’ delivery led to a headed effort from Al-Tamari before Adrien Thomasson finished the move with a low shot. Rennes held on for a 1-0 victory at Roazhon Park. Steve Mandanda’s replacement, Brice Samba, also made an important save from Pierre-Emile Højbjerg six minutes later.

Marseille had already gone close through Paixão and Timothy Weah before the interval, but Samba denied both attempts. Amine Harit and Højbjerg then had opportunities after the break as OM searched for an equaliser. None of those chances changed the outcome.

The result gives Franck Haise’s Rennes a valuable home win and temporary control of the standings after four Ligue 1 matchdays. For Marseille, the defeat turns an otherwise promising display into another frustrating result, with missed chances and an inability to respond to Rennes’ goal leaving the opening to the campaign increasingly troubling.