Stade Rennais defeated Montpellier thanks to a miracle strike from substitute Kamil Grosicki at Roazhon Park.

The game wasn't the best watch for the neutrals as there was a shocking two shots on target and they both came from the home side.

There was speculation before the match whether Rennes striker, Ola Toivonen, would make the team after rumours of his departure request was spoke of on social media. 

Eyebrows were raised when the team showed the Swede never made the entire squad meaning Pedro Henrique joined Giovanni Sio up front instead. New signing Mehdi Zeffane made the bench.

First half

Montpellier started the match the best of the two sides and could have went in front immediately through Kevin Berigaud but he couldn't turn his chance by Benoit Costil.

There was a comical turn to the proceedings when Daniel Congre took out Benjamin Andre outside the box leaving the latter man grounded. This wasn't the hilarity however, this came when the challenge resulted in the match ball bursting.

Rennes hadn't done enough in the final third and almost had to rely on a Montpellier defensive error to get a shot on goal. However, Montpellier stopper, Geoffrey Jourdren, was quick off his line to snatch the ball.

At the other end, Paul Lasne brushed off his opposition to burst into the box and pull off a powerful strike which found the side netting.

Second half

In the second half the match took a while to produce noteworthy action. Steven Moreira, who is rumoured to be leaving Rennes, almost put his side ahead but poor control closed down the angle when he was one-on-one with Jourdren. 

The best chance of the game fell to Yacouba Sylla who managed to strike off target deep inside the box. The new signing from Aston Villa had no pressure on him and visibly showed his frustration of passing up a brilliant opportunity.

The match grew tiresome as time went on with both sides reduced to hitting tame long shots which didn't challenge either keeper. With one shot on target in the entire game, even the fans were frustrated. The match was needing an injection.

A late winner

In stepped substitute Kamil Grosicki who made an immediate impact on the match by scoring the much needed goal. The Polish winger cut inside and chipped a shot sweetly to the far post from outside the box. 

This proved to be the final piece of action in front of goal and Rennes were jubilant with their narrow win. Next week the Bretons play Lyon while Montpellier face the champions, PSG.