Rennes continued their 10 year unbeaten streak at bitter rivals Nantes thanks to two second half Kamil Grosicki goals.

The want-away winger came on early in the second half, returning the game to an equal footing on 58 minutes, then clinched the winner on 76 minutes. 

Unfortunately for the hosts, Emiliano Sala's 42 minute goal wasn't enough to compliment a comfortable first half performance by the Nantais

The home side came into match with the second worst home record in the league this season and looked to set things right against Rennes, who subsequently had the second worst away record in Ligue 1

Nantes failed to match the performance with goals

Nantes rushed out the traps from the off and showed great hunger and desire that was befitting of a derby match.

Hot prospect Amine Harit was lively throughout the first half and posed the most danger for his opponents.

Just when it didn't look like Nantes wouldn't be rewarded for their stronger play in the first half, a counter-attack was finished off by Sala who headed home from a few yards out.

A wonderful unchallenged cross from Yacine Bammou met the onrushing Sala in the centre, who headed hard into the ground.

Rennes rewarded for much improved second half

In the second period it was the away side who showed the hunger and desire which their rivals had shown in the first.

Replacing the injured Gelson Fernandes five minutes into the half, Grosicki got in amongst the action with his reputation of being a super-sub for les rouges et noirs.

The Polish winger showed just why as he smashed the equalizer past Rémy Riou eight minutes after entering the game. 

The goal scorer peeled off his marker, darted to the centre of the box and burst the net with his impressive finish following a Paul-Georges Ntep cut back.

Moments later, Nantes could have went back in front after a ball across the face of goal fell to young Harit who was unable to convert from close range.

The now dominant away side were rewarded with the second goal of the game and it was to be Grosicki once again, who scored an exact carbon copy of his first.

The substitute was wanted by the English Premier League during the summer and his performance showed the neutrals with his noticeable effect on games.

The derby fever doesn't stop there for Grosicki and Rennes as they host Lorient in midweek, while Nantes host Angers SCO in a bid to put their bad home record behind them.

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About the author
Connor Gordon
Hi, I am from Glasgow, Scotland and at university studying Multimedia Journalism. I have a fondness for French club, Stade Rennais. I try to convey the way I see the game of football into my articles. I hope you enjoy! Contact me on Twitter: @ConnorGordonnn Email: [email protected]