Rennes open Europa League with goalless draw

Rennes began their Europa League campaign with a point in Austria, but the draw leaves Franck Haise still without a victory in the competition. The result extended his European winless run to 17 matches, comprising five draws and 12 defeats.

Sturm Graz and Rennes finished 0-0 on Wednesday. Rennes thought they had taken the lead when Adrien Thomasson scored early, but VAR cancelled the goal after identifying a handball in the build-up. Sturm Graz also had a first-half effort disallowed, with the Austrian side caught offside. Rennes created more pressure after the interval, yet Sturm Graz finished strongly and forced the visitors to defend several dangerous situations.

Rennes registered 23 attempts, including 14 after half-time. Steve Mandanda’s replacement in goal, Brice Samba, made important saves, while Mahamadou Camara struck the post during a spell of pressure from the French side. Goalkeeper Kjell Peersman Khudyakov also denied efforts from Esteban Lepaul and Ludovic Blas. Rennes will next host OFI Crete on Thursday, October 15, while Sturm Graz travel to England to face Bournemouth.