Stade Rennais vs. Girondins de Bordeaux – French Ligue 1 Preview
Stade de la Route-de-Lorient will see Ligue 1 surprise package, Stade Rennais, face Jean Tigana’s Bordeaux tonight.
Challenge issued
Bordeaux manager, Jean Tigana, has issued a challenge to his team to qualify for the Europa League with just six games left in the Ligue 1 season. Jean Tigana’s side go into the game against Rennais in sixth place, which is the last place for European qualification.
Currently, Bordeaux have 44 points and only a superior goal difference to Lorient and Saint-Etienne has kept them in contention for the Europa League spot. Sochaux are ninth with 43 points, while Montpellier have also amassed the same number of points.
Battle for fifth
With five teams fighting for the Europa League spot, Bordeaux cannot afford any slip-ups if they are to play in Europe next season. Last week, Les Girondins beat Saint-Etienne 2-0 to jump to the fifth place. Jean Tigana admits that his side is in a good
position and is looking forward to see how his players react to the turn of events.
A few weeks earlier, Bordeaux were fighting to stay above the relegation zone but the tide has turned in the club’s favour. Les Girondins have steered clear of the relegation zone and harbour realistic chances of playing in Europe the next season.
While talking to the media, Tigana said, "In addition, we have the chance to play teams which have roughly the same number of points as us. We now have the challenge of getting a place in the Europa League.''
Six games without a win
Stade Rennais are going through a tumultuous period. Les Rouges et Noirs have lost three consecutive matches in the league and are without a win in their last six games, a run that has taken them out of the three Champions League spots.
Five points adrift of third-placed Olympique de Lyonnais, Rennes still have an eye on UEFA Champions League qualification. However, Rennes need to return to winning ways starting tonight if they harbour Champions League ambitions. With just 18 points left
to play for this season, manager Frederic Antonetti knows that slip-ups would cost his team a place in Europe.
Previous Meeting
The last time these two sides met was in December 2010, and the match ended 0-0. This time, however, the result might not be as dull; both the sides have shown a tendency to concede goals.
Top scorers
Victor Hugo Montano (Stade Rennais)
Since joining Rennes from Montpellier, 26-year-old Colombian International Victor http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Hugo-c16384 Montano has been in fine form for Les Noirs et Rouges. Although he has scored just 7 goals in the league for Stade Rennais, his work-rate and off-the-ball movement has
given opponents a lot of problems at the back. Should the Colombian hit the stride tonight, Stade Rennais might find a way past Bordeaux goalkeeper, Cedric Carrasso.
Anthony Modeste (Bordeaux)
Frenchman Anthony Modeste has scored 10 goals and provided 3 assists for Bordeaux this season. Even though the 6-foot-1 striker has been criticised for taking ‘power naps’ in the run of play, his strength and aerial ability will be vital for Bordeaux tonight,
as Jean Tigana aims for all three points away from home.
Prediction
Stade Rennais’ slump in form might continue when they face a resurgent Bordeaux side that has found a new mission this season.
Predicted final score: Stade Rennais 0-1 Bordeaux
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