Lille – Rennes

Rennes have a strong tournament motivation. Will this help in the game against Lille?

Lille will face Rennes on the 38th round of the French League 1. For Lille, this match is of little importance, as last year's French champion failed the season in general and is in tenth place in Ligue 1. They won't go any lower as they are six points behind Brest, but they could go one place higher as Les Dogues are tied on points with Nantes. For Rennes, on the other hand, this game is crucial. The Bretons are in fourth place, but they can jump higher or lower. Rennes are three points adrift of the Champions League zone, where Monaco and Marseille are still sitting. So they can count on their misfires and beat Lille to qualify for next year's major European tournament. But if they drop points, they could be overtaken by Strasbourg and Nice, who are only two points behind. And Rennes, who had a great season, could be left with nothing. So, the visitors will be giving their all to the best of their ability. But it doesn't always work out. For example, a couple of rounds ago, Rennes unexpectedly lost to an unmotivated Nantes (1-2), although they played much better. After that, the Breton side made amends by beating Marseille 2-0. But that was at home. Lately, it's not easy for Rennes to play away. They have lost two away games in a row. A total of six wins, four draws and eight defeats for Rennes this season. But Rennes have scored and conceded without fail in their last six away matches. And Lille cannot be called a home team. In the last five rounds, they have won only once at home. In total, they have seven wins, seven draws and four defeats at home this season. Lille beat Rennes 2-1 away in the first leg. But the upcoming match should be a very different story. We can expect bright football from Ligue 1's most spectacular attack, which Rennes possesses.