Rennes Vs Marseillea

After suffering a defeat in their first match of 2025, Rennes will be eager to bounce back when they host Marseille at Roazhon Park for Round 17 of Ligue 1 this weekend. The team will be hoping to revive their campaign after a disappointing start to the new year. 

Rennes returned from the winter break with a narrow 3-2 loss to Nice at the Allianz Riviera, a result that saw them drop one position in the league standings to 13th. With 17 points to their name, they are only two points clear of the relegation playoff zone. This loss has further compounded their struggles as they look to regain momentum.

While Rennes has faced difficulties on the road this season, their form at home has been much more promising. Their only away victory this term came in a 4-1 triumph over Bordeaux in the French Cup on December 30. Despite briefly lifting spirits, this win proved to be a false dawn as the loss to Nice brought them back to earth, leaving them with much to work on. The defeat in Nice marked the third consecutive away loss for head coach Jorge Sampaoli, who took over the reins from Julien Stephan on November 11. Since Sampaoli's arrival, the Argentine manager has yet to claim a point in an away Ligue 1 match, a disappointing streak that has cast doubt on his ability to lead Rennes to success on the road.

In contrast, Sampaoli's tenure at Roazhon Park has yielded more positive results. Under his guidance, Rennes have secured two league victories at home, first with a commanding 5-0 win over Saint-Etienne, followed by a comfortable 2-0 triumph against Angers. With five wins, one draw, and only two losses, Rennes boasts the fifth-best home record in Ligue 1. Their attacking strength has been evident in front of their home fans, as they rank joint-fourth in the league for goals scored at home with 16, while their defense has been the most resolute, conceding just five goals. Rennes will aim to tap into this defensive resilience when they face a formidable Marseille side this weekend.

This upcoming fixture will be the 115th top-flight meeting between the two sides, making it Rennes’ most frequently contested fixture in Ligue 1. Historically, Marseille has had the upper hand in these encounters, but Rennes managed to secure a 2-0 victory in the most recent meeting between the teams. The victory will give them the confidence to attempt to secure back-to-back wins against their rivals for the first time since March to September 2016, a feat that would surely bring a sense of achievement to the club.

However, Rennes faces a daunting task, as Marseille has been in exceptional form on the road this season. The Olympians have the best away record in the league, having claimed seven wins from eight matches, suffering just one defeat. Their away dominance has made them a fearsome opponent, and they will be looking to continue their strong form when they travel to Roazhon Park. 

Marseille enters this fixture on the back of a resounding 5-1 win against Le Havre at Stade Velodrome last weekend, which has given them a significant boost in confidence. The victory has propelled them to second place in the Ligue 1 standings, with 33 points from 16 matches. However, they remain seven points behind the leaders, Paris Saint-Germain, and the gap at the top leaves little room for error in their pursuit of the title. With the 2025 campaign intensifying, Marseille will be looking to capitalize on any opportunity to close that gap and remain in the hunt for their first Ligue 1 title in 15 years.

Marseille’s excellent away record this season is no accident. Their ability to score goals in the final third has been a major factor in their success, as they have netted 23 goals in their eight away games, which averages nearly three goals per match, comfortably the best tally in Ligue 1. Their attacking prowess will be a key weapon against Rennes’ strong defense. Despite Rennes’ impressive record at home, Marseille’s offensive capabilities will test the strength of the host’s backline, with the visitors seeking to continue their formidable form on the road.

The visitors will draw additional confidence from their historical success in this fixture. Marseille has won 48 of the previous 114 encounters, a solid record that has contributed to their reputation as one of Ligue 1’s most dominant teams. They have inflicted the second-highest number of defeats on Rennes, trailing only Monaco in that regard. Nevertheless, recent trips to Roazhon Park have not been straightforward for the Olympians, with Marseille winning only one of their last four visits to Rennes. This underlines the challenge they face as they aim to extend their impressive road form and secure another crucial three points in their pursuit of the league title.

As both teams prepare for this exciting clash, the contest at Roazhon Park promises to be a thrilling one. Rennes, despite their struggles on the road, have shown resilience at home and will look to exploit that strength against a Marseille side in excellent away form. For Rennes, this match offers the perfect opportunity to regain their footing and begin a strong second half of the season. Meanwhile, Marseille will be determined to maintain their pursuit of the top spot and continue their dominance away from home. 

This encounter will be another test for both teams, with Rennes aiming to prove that they can consistently perform at home, while Marseille seeks to build on their strong away record and continue their push for the Ligue 1 title. With so much at stake for both sides, the match at Roazhon Park is set to be a crucial and exciting affair.