Stade Rennais secured a 2-1 victory over Angers in Ligue 1's 29th matchday, thanks to a crucial penalty save by Brice Samba late in the game. The win lifts Rennes provisionally to 5th place with 50 points. Angers remains 13th with 33 points.
Stade Rennais controlled the first half against Angers. An own goal by Marius Louër in the 12th minute opened the scoring (1-0), followed by a deft lob from Mousa Al-Tamari in the 25th (2-0), assisted by captain Valentin Rongier.
Early in the second half, Rennes created chances through Esteban Lepaul (48th), Mahdi Camara (51st), and Breel Embolo (54th, 64th), but failed to extend the lead. Prosper Peter pulled one back for Angers in the 65th minute (2-1), making the finish nervy.
In the 80th minute, referee Mathieu Vernice awarded Angers a penalty after a foul on Peter. Amine Sbaï's weak shot was saved by Brice Samba in the 81st, securing the win.
Rennes now has 50 points, two behind Marseille (3rd), while Lyon (6th, 48 points) could close the gap. Angers, nine points above Auxerre (16th), is not yet mathematically safe. Rongier will be suspended for the next game at Strasbourg.
