Ligue 1 2020/21: Rennes vs Lens – tactical analysis

Rennes came into this game off the back of a negative run. In Ligue 1, they had lost two and drawn one of their last three games. With this loss, they now stand in ninth place, very far away from the third-place finish they achieved last year. It would seem that the added UEFA Champions League games are taking their toll. Here, they hold the last place in a group where Chelsea and Sevilla were favourites. All in all, Rennes is struggling right now.

On the other hand, Lens is being the surprise of Ligue 1 this season. The newly-promoted team is eighth, as this win put them above Rennes. In their last three games, they achieved all three types of results. They drew one, lost one, and won the other game. Once they secure their spot in Ligue 1, could they even fight for a Europa League place?

Lens won 0-2 in this game against Rennes where it was an even game but Lens took advantage of their chances. Rennes improved in the second half by dominating more but it was not enough.

In this tactical analysis, we will observe the tactics of both coaches and how they changed throughout the game. In this analysis, we will see how they pressed and the features of the formations they chose.

Lineups

Rennes started the game in a 4-1-4-1, with Adrien Hunou as a striker. On the wings were Flavien Tait and Romain Del Castillo with Adrien Truffert and Hamari Traoré being the full-backs. The midfielders were Benjamin Bourigeaud, James Léa Siliki, and Steven Nzonzi as a defensive midfielder. Then, the centre-backs were Damien Da Silva and Gerzino Nyamsi.

Lens played in a 3-4-1-2, with Arnaud Kalimuendo and Florian Sotoca leading the attack. Gaël Kakuta was the attacking midfielder, having Seko Fofana and Yannick Cahuzac behind him as midfielders. The two wing-backs were Issiaga Sylla and Jonathan Clauss. Lastly, the three centre-backs consisted of Massadio Haïdara, Loïc Badé, and Jonathan Gradit.