This season's end to Ligue 1 was anti-climactic in more ways than one for Rennes after losing to Bastia at Roazhon Park, despite being the dominant team in the match.
It was Francois Kamano's night as he converted a double past Benoit Costil who was between the sticks for the hosts. A late goal from substitute Pedro Henrique could not spare Rennes from a last day defeat at the hands of the Corsicans.
Bastia ahead despite Rennes dominance
Rennes, who were without a recognized left-back, were forced to play with a rejigged defensive line that was tested early on. A powerful cut-back from the right bounced off Sylvain Armand and fell right into place for Floyd Ayite six yards from goal. Unfortunately for the striker, his shot smacked the bottom of the post.
This early chance sparked the Rennes side into life as they began to grab the game by the scruff of its neck. Kamil Grosicki was lively throughout and saw a couple of chances pass him by. However, the best opportunity fell at feet of Ousmane Dembele who was denied from close range by the legs of Jean-Louis Leca, the Bastia goalkeeper.
Leca made a couple of other vital interceptions in the first half to keep his side in the match. Superb acrobatics and at being full stretch were to thank as Leca spread himself out wide to deny Grosicki from inside the box.
Bastia surprisingly took the lead on 20 minutes with Kamano as the goal scorer. Julian Palmieri turned in a sweet cross to the striker who was in acres of space inside the box. The goal was a formality as Kamano flicked the ball over Costil who remained practically motionless as the header nestled into the net.
Late consolation not enough after Bastia go ahead by two
The first chance after the restart came a matter of minutes after kick-off. A familiar training ground free kick routine played Fallou Diagne in with a free header from the penalty spot. Unfortunately for the centre-back, his effort was too central and Leca held on.
Rennes were made to pay for not converting the Diagne chance when Bastia doubled their lead six minutes later. It was to be Diagne who was brushed off the ball by Kamano at the edge of the box, then duly swept the ball into the net without reply from Costil.
Although Rennes continued to dominate under the boos from the Roazhon Park public, it would take until 82 minutes before they made it show in some form. Substitute, Henrique drove into the box and flicked a shot low into the opposite corner to bring the deficit back down to one.
A late flurry of chances couldn't produce the leveller for Rennes. They end the season on a whimper after they promised so much a couple of months ago including Champions League football. For Bastia, they were spared any relegation fears a while ago and finish the campaign on the same amount of points as Marseille. Both teams will hope to do much better next season.