Kick-off was delayed slightly due to a health issue with one of the officials, but ESTAC got the game started once he was stretchered off and able to converse. After a scrappy opening period, Iké Ugbo announced his return to Troyes’ starting lineup by providing a burst of quality to control Rony Lopes’ mishit shot and clinically fire past Steve Mandanda shortly before the quarter-hour mark. The hosts had seen each of their last two opponents reduced to ten men, but it was Yoann Salmier who saw red in the 26th minute for catching Lovro Majer with a late challenge. Having scored his first goal of the season, Ugbo was brought off so that Adil Rami could restore Bruno Irles’ five-man backline.
Rennes largely controlled possession as would be expected but struggled to break the hosts down, meaning ambitious strikes from range by Hamari Traoré and Baptiste Santamaria gave Gauthier Gallon his biggest tests of the half. Bruno Génésio made two substitutions during the break and seemingly sparked his side into action, as Santamaria sent an effort from the edge of the box in off the inside of the post.
It seemed certain Terrier would put Les Rouge et Noir ahead when the ball fell to him soon after, only for him to slide a tame shot past the post. As the visitors continued to apply pressure, Benjamin Bourigeaud rose well to meet Gouiri’s cross but headed straight at Gallon. A rare second-half chance fell to Jackson Porozo when a corner delivery found him in space, but the defender couldn’t find the target.
While Troyes were unable to add to their first back-to-back victories since March as Papa Ndiaga Yade blazed a late effort wide, Gallon made a brilliant save to deny Arthur Theate in injury time and ensure they took a point in testing circumstances. Meanwhile, Rennes endured their sixth consecutive away match without a win, holding only two Ligue 1 points from three away matches this term.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Jackson Porozo (ES Troyes AC)
