Reims Vs Nice

After suffering a defeat in their first match of 2025, Rennes will be determined to rebound and make a strong response when they host Marseille at Roazhon Park this weekend for the 17th round of Ligue 1. They will look to reignite their season after a tough start to the year, with the goal of improving their standing and putting their recent struggles behind them.

Les Rennais returned from the winter break with a 3-2 loss to Nice at the Allianz Riviera, a result that saw them drop a position in the league table, now sitting in 13th place with 17 points – just two ahead of the relegation playoff spot. This loss was a setback for the team, which had been hoping to start the year on a positive note after a mixed first half of the season. 

This defeat marked a continuation of Rennes' difficulties away from home, where they have struggled to find consistent form throughout the campaign. Their solitary away win came in a 4-1 victory over Bordeaux in the French Cup on December 30, a result that gave them brief hope for a turnaround. However, this performance turned out to be more of a false dawn as their loss to Nice brought them back down to earth, highlighting the recurring issues they’ve faced on the road.

The defeat also represented a frustrating milestone for their coach, Jorge Sampaoli. Since taking over on November 11 after the dismissal of Julien Stéphan, Sampaoli has now lost all three of his away matches in Ligue 1. Despite his typically strong coaching reputation, he has yet to collect a single point in any of his away encounters, a record he will be eager to improve. However, Sampaoli's tenure has been significantly more promising at home, where Rennes have looked a much more formidable side.

Under his leadership at Roazhon Park, Rennes have managed to secure two dominant home victories. The first was an emphatic 5-0 win over Saint-Étienne, and the second was a solid 2-0 triumph against Angers. These victories have been crucial in keeping the team's campaign alive, as they have helped solidify Rennes’ standing in the mid-table. The team now boasts the fifth-best home record in Ligue 1, with five wins, one draw, and only two losses. This impressive home form has allowed them to stay above the relegation zone, despite their struggles elsewhere.

Rennes’ attacking prowess at home has also been notable, with the team ranking joint-fourth in the league for goals scored at home (16). Their defense has been a standout feature, as they have conceded just five goals in their home matches, the best defensive record in the league. This resilient defensive unit will be crucial as they face a challenging opponent in Marseille this weekend.

The upcoming match between Rennes and Marseille is significant not only because of the two teams' positions in the standings but also due to the historical rivalry between the clubs. This will be the 115th top-flight meeting between Rennes and Marseille, making it the most frequently contested fixture for Rennes in Ligue 1. Marseille has traditionally had the upper hand in this rivalry, but Rennes managed to secure a 2-0 victory in their most recent encounter, a result that will provide them with some confidence heading into the match. If they can repeat this success, it would mark the first time they’ve secured back-to-back wins over Marseille since they achieved that feat between March and September 2016.

However, Rennes will have their work cut out for them, especially considering Marseille’s formidable away form this season. Roberto De Zerbi's side has been exceptional on the road, boasting the best away record in Ligue 1. Marseille has won seven of their eight away matches this season, suffering only one defeat. This remarkable away form has been a key factor in their rise to second place in the league standings, just seven points behind the league leaders, Paris Saint-Germain. With the title race still wide open, Marseille knows they cannot afford to drop points, especially against teams like Rennes, who are battling in the lower half of the table.

Marseille enters this match in high spirits after kicking off the new year with a dominant 5-1 victory over Le Havre at the Stade Vélodrome. This resounding win left them in second place with 33 points, a significant improvement from their position earlier in the season. However, they still face a challenge in catching PSG, who continue to lead the league with a commanding advantage. If Marseille hopes to claim their first Ligue 1 title in 15 years, they cannot afford to slip up against teams like Rennes, even when playing away.

Marseille's attacking firepower has been a key component of their success this season, particularly on their travels. They have scored an impressive 23 goals in their eight away games, averaging nearly three goals per match. This is by far the best away goal tally in the league, and it reflects the attacking philosophy that De Zerbi has instilled in his team. The Olympians' ability to score freely, both at home and on the road, has set them apart from many other teams in Ligue 1. With players like Dimitri Payet, Cengiz Ünder, and Amine Harit leading the charge, Marseille has one of the most potent attacking units in the league.

However, Rennes will provide a significant test for Marseille’s attacking strengths. The hosts possess the league’s best home defense, which could potentially blunt Marseille’s attacking threat. Rennes’ defensive organization will be key to keeping the likes of Payet and Ünder quiet, and they will need to be at their best to contain the fluid attacking play that has been so effective for the visitors this season. The contrast between Rennes' solid defense and Marseille's high-scoring attack promises to be one of the most intriguing aspects of this match.

Despite their excellent form on the road, Marseille’s recent trips to Roazhon Park have been far from easy. In fact, the Olympians have only won once in their last four visits to Rennes, a stat that will give the hosts some hope. While Marseille has historically dominated this fixture, recent results at Roazhon Park have shown that Rennes can make life difficult for their more established rivals. With the backing of their home crowd, Rennes will be determined to secure a positive result and give their season the boost it desperately needs.

In conclusion, this match between Rennes and Marseille is crucial for both sides. Rennes will be looking to get back on track after a difficult start to the year, while Marseille will be eager to continue their impressive run on the road and keep pace at the top of the table. The result will have significant implications for both teams, as Rennes seeks to avoid relegation and Marseille looks to challenge for the title. With both teams possessing distinct strengths and weaknesses, this match promises to be a fascinating contest, with plenty of drama expected at Roazhon Park.