Rennes held by Sturm Graz in Europa League opener

Rennes began their Europa League campaign with a disappointing draw at Sturm Graz, leaving Austria with a point but clear frustration over missed opportunities. The French side could not turn a dominant spell into a winning goal and needed Steve Mandanda to protect them during a difficult finish.

Rennes recorded 23 attempts, including 14 after half-time. Estéban Lepaul, making his European debut, was involved in several openings but lacked accuracy in front of goal. An early effort that led to a Thomasson finish was ruled out for handball, while Mahdi Camara struck the crossbar and Sturm goalkeeper Kjell Peersman?No. Khudyakov denied a late effort from Valentin Rongier. Sturm Graz also threatened, with Brice Samba making important saves and Rennes surviving a dangerous corner that went across an unguarded goal.

The result keeps Rennes unbeaten at the start of the season after three Ligue 1 victories and a draw, but it falls short of the standard required by a team targeting a place in the Europa League’s top eight. Their wastefulness and vulnerability late on mean Franck Haise’s side will need greater precision in the next rounds. Rennes return from Austria without defeat, but the performance offered little evidence yet that they are ready to meet that European objective.