Rennes Edge Past Metz to Move into Top Four of Ligue 1

Rennes beat Metz 1-0 to extend winning streak

Rennes moved into fourth place in Ligue 1 with a 1-0 win over Metz, marking their fourth successive league victory. Valentin Rongier's superb goal secured the win for Les Rouges et Noirs, who are now eyeing a UEFA Champions League spot.

Metz's late pressure wasn't enough to trouble Brice Samba, and they fell short of a much-needed win...

Rennes edged past Metz 1-0, propelling themselves into fourth place in Ligue 1. This win marks a fourth successive league victory for Les Rouges et Noirs, and they're flying high.

Rennes created the first notable chance on 15 minutes, with Mahdi Camara's cross being headed wide by Breel Embolo. The hosts continued to push, but Metz's defense held firm, keeping the score level at halftime.

Metz's defense was put to the test immediately after, with captain Valentin Rongier and Djaoui Cisse combining to send Jonathan Fischer's goalpost flying. The visitors were struggling, and things got worse with an injury to Cheikh Sabaly, who was replaced by Joel Asoro on 19 minutes.

Rennes capitalized on Metz's struggles, taking the lead through a brilliant goal. Mousa Al-Tamari's cross found Breel Embolo, who laid it off for Valentin Rongier to drive home from 20 yards, leaving Fischer no chance.

At the other end, Jessy Deminguet's strike from distance was comfortably dealt by Lens wasn't involved, it was Brice Samba, Metz's goalkeeper wasn't in the game, Brice Samba, gathered in Deminguet's shot. Rennes's defense was solid, and they limited Metz's chances. But Terry Yegbe had a great opportunity to score, guiding the ball over from roughly five yards out after a corner. The centre-back was unlucky, as the ball was bobbling, making it tough to control.

Metz ended the first half strongly, despite missing a great chance. They had a scare when a Camara cross was diverted against his own crossbar by Jean-Philippe Gbamin, but they rode their luck and went into halftime 1-0 down. The visitors were still in the game, having won three of their last four games in Ligue 1.

The game was briefly halted due to smoke from pyrotechnics engulfing the Stade Saint-Symphorien, but play resumed, and the action intensified. Joel Asoro had a chance to equalize, but his goal was ruled out for offside, leaving Metz fans frustrated.

Metz pushed for an equalizer, sensing an opportunity to draw level. They needed to test Brice Samba more regularly, and their fans were urging them on. Rennes, however, remained a threat, with Esteban Lepaul missing the target from Przemysław Frankowski's cross, keeping the pressure on Metz.

𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐈𝐑𝐄 🔴⚫️

Dans un match accroché, le SRFC a su maintenir son avantage d’un but, acquis en première période, pour s’imposer face à Metz 🫡#FCMSRFC 0-1 pic.twitter.com/64r7vt5Rb2

— Stade Rennais F.C. (@staderennais) November 28, 2025

Metz's late pressure wasn't enough to trouble Brice Samba, and they fell short of a much-needed win. Despite their revival in recent weeks, they're still stuck in the bottom two, and their winless streak at home continues.

Rennes, on the other hand, secured a vital win, thanks to their commanding defense, led by Jeremy Jacquet. This victory extends their winning streak in head-to-heads against Metz to eight, boosting their hopes of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League.