Rennes 0-0 Lens Player Ratings: Florian Thauvin Rated 9/10 as 10-Man Lens Stun Rennes in a Goalless Stalemate

The Ligue 1 clash between Rennes and Lens was turned on its head inside the first minute. A straight red card for Jonathan Gradit left Lens with a mountain to climb for 89 minutes. Instead, we saw a performance of sheer grit and organization from the visiting side. They parked the bus, yes, but it was a masterfully executed defensive strategy. Rennes, on the other hand, will be kicking themselves. They huffed and puffed with their man advantage but showed a complete lack of cutting edge.

This match at Roazhon Park was a tactical chess game born from chaos. Both teams struck the woodwork in a game that somehow, against all odds, ended 0-0. For Lens, it's a point that feels like a victory. For Rennes, this is a massive failure and two points thrown away.

Here are the Rennes Vs Lens Player Ratings

Lens Player Ratings vs Rennes

Here are Lens Player Ratings vs Rennes

Goalkeeper

Robin Risser - 7.5: He wasn't peppered with shots but made crucial saves when called upon. Commanded his area well, especially with high claims. From our perspective, his composure spread through the backline. He played his part in this huge point.

Defenders

Samson Baidoo - 8.0: A rock at the back. After his partner was sent off, he stepped up massively. We noticed his 6 clearances and countless blocks. He was in the right place at the right time all game long. A warrior's performance.

Malang Sarr - 8.0: Just like Baidoo, he was immense. He put his body on the line with 7 clearances. He read the game beautifully, cutting out attacks before they became truly dangerous. A colossal effort to keep the clean sheet intact under so much pressure.

Jonathan Gradit - 1.0: A moment of madness that nearly cost his team everything. Getting a straight red card in the first minute is inexcusable. He left his teammates with an impossible task. The lowest rating is thoroughly deserved, a complete disaster.

Midfielders

Ruben Aguilar - 7.0: He worked tirelessly on the flank, providing both defensive cover and an outlet. He even created a couple of chances before being subbed off. A really disciplined performance, sacrificing his attacking instincts for the team's needs. He ran himself into the ground.

Mamadou Sangaré - 9.0: For us, he was right up there for man of the match. An absolutely monstrous performance in midfield. He won 11 duels and made 7 tackles, it was like having two players in one. He covered every blade of grass and was the engine room of this incredible defensive effort.

Matthieu Udol - 6.5: A bit of a mixed bag. He fought hard and won his share of duels. But he also lost possession a bit too often for my liking. Had a decent headed chance saved. Overall, a solid contributor to the cause.

Adrien Thomasson - 8.5: The captain led by example. He was absolutely everywhere, winning a staggering 13 duels. He was a constant thorn in Rennes' side, drawing 5 fouls. He was so unlucky to see his header come back off the post. A true leader's display.

Forwards

Florian Thauvin - 9.0: The highest-rated player and our Man of the Match. To create 7 chances, including 3 big chances, while your team has 10 men is simply world-class. His quality on the ball was a joy to watch. He provided the vital attacking outlet and nearly created a winner against all odds.

Odsonne Édouard - 5.5: It was a tough, thankless task for him. He was completely isolated upfront. He chased and fought for what he could but had very little service. The game's circumstances just didn't suit him at all.

Wesley Saïd - 6.0: Similar to his strike partner, he had to sacrifice his game for the team. He put in a real defensive shift, making tackles and tracking back. He had one blocked shot but was mostly a defensive forward today. Did the dirty work well.

Substitutes

Morgan Guilavogui - 6.0: Came on and provided fresh energy, helping to see the game out. Had a couple of headed chances but couldn't convert.

Rayan Fofana - 6.0: Offered a willing runner for the counter-attack and helped relieve pressure.

Saud Abdulhamid - N/A: Came on late to help shore up the defence.

Manager

P. Sage - 8.5: What can you say? His team went down to 10 men in the first minute. He immediately reorganised and set up a defensive block that Rennes could not break down for the entire game. His substitutions were smart, bringing on fresh legs to see out the result. An absolute tactical masterclass in damage control to earn a heroic point.

Rennes Player Ratings vs Lens

Here are Rennes Player Ratings vs Lens

Goalkeeper

Brice Samba - 6.5: Had very little to do for most of the game. Made two saves when required. His perfect passing accuracy is nice but ultimately he was a spectator for long periods. Can't fault him for the result.

Defenders

Anthony Rouault - 5.5: He saw a lot of the ball but his performance was uninspiring. He was dribbled past three times and seemed vulnerable when Lens managed a rare counter-attack. Missed a big chance himself which sums up the team's day.

Alidu Seidu - 6.5: One of the better performers for Rennes. He was solid enough defensively and tried to get forward, creating two chances. At least he showed some urgency and purpose in his play.

Jérémy Jacquet - 6.0: A decent, if unspectacular, game. He was tidy in possession with 94% pass accuracy. But like the rest of the team, he lacked that bit of magic or a killer pass to unlock the deep defence. Solid but offered little inspiration.

Midfielders

Djaoui Cissé - N/A: He was the unfortunate victim of the tactical reshuffle. Subbed off after just 29 minutes. Didn't have enough time on the pitch to make any real impact.

Seko Fofana - 5.0: As captain, we expected more from him. He tried to drive the team on but his final product was really poor. He lost possession 14 times and his shots were wayward. A very frustrating performance from a key player.

Ludovic Blas - 4.5: Almost anonymous. He was on the pitch for over an hour and was completely ineffective. He offered no creativity, no drive, nothing. His substitution was no surprise. A really disappointing showing.

Quentin Merlin - 4.0: What stood out to us was his crossing. He attempted 14 crosses and only 2 were successful. That's incredibly wasteful. He consistently gave the ball away and killed attacking moves. A poor, poor game.

Mahdi Camara - 5.0: He battled away in midfield but was part of a unit that was completely devoid of ideas. Picked up a needless yellow card. Like many of his teammates, he just didn't do enough to make a difference.

Forwards

Breel Embolo - 4.0: A bystander. Had only 14 touches in 61 minutes. He was completely unable to impose himself on the Lens defence. For a striker playing against 10 men, that is simply not good enough.

Estéban Lepaul - 6.5: At least he looked like a threat. He was desperately unlucky to hit the post. However, he also missed a big chance. One of the few Rennes players who can come away with any credit, but should have scored.

Substitutes

Mousa Tamari - 6.0: Looked lively when he came on but couldn't find the breakthrough.

Nordan Mukiele - 5.5: Added some energy but ultimately changed little.

Mohamed Meïté - 5.0: Committed a few fouls and didn't offer the spark needed.

Mahamadou Nagida - 5.0: Came on and got booked. Not the impact the manager wanted.

Manager

H. Beye - 3.0: A really poor day for the manager. His team had a man advantage for nearly 90 minutes and failed to score. His tactics seemed one-dimensional, just crossing into the box without any real plan B. He will face serious questions after failing to break down 10 men at home.

Sportsdunia's Player of the Match is Florian Thauvin