An impressive first half showing from Rennes was enough to see them comfortably set aside derby rivals Nantes at Roazhon Park.
A double from Ousmane Dembele with Kamil Grosicki and Cheikh M'Bengue also chipping in all before the end of the first 45 ensured the victory.
A second half consolation from Adryan couldn't spare Nantes from a first defeat in 13 matches.
Rennes blow Nantes away from the off
A minute into the game and the home side went in front through the on-form youngster Dembele. Following an early free kick, the winger gave his side the surprise opener by stabbing the ball into the top right corner.
The scorer was tormenting Nantes throughout the half and wasn't giving their defence a moment's peace. Two promising shots from the French under-19 international could have doubled his side's advantage in the match.
Rennes did stretch their lead by two goals when Grosicki put his name on the score sheet. The Polish attacker was persistent inside the box under the pressure of the defence but he managed to get enough of a touch on the ball to sent it by Remy Riou.
The score was up to three nil only a few minutes later with the shock name of M'Bengue tapping it in. Dembele's tricky crossed free kick was directed on by the left-back and this helped surprise the keeper and score the goal.
Just before the whistle Rennes got their fourth and final goal of the match. Dembele was a man on a mission, composed himself inside the box, and comfortably placed his effort by the bottom right of Riou.
Better Nantes showing in the second
The trailing visitors made no changes as to stop any player hiding away from the uphill battle they faced.
Nantes pulled a goal back on 59 minutes when Adryan found the net after collecting a cutback. Poor defending down the left from Rennes allowed the central pass to be made and the Brazilian couldn't miss from close range. However, the scorer was substituted right after his celebration and he was visibly angry at the decision.
Things got a bit worse for Rennes when their striker, Giovanni Sio, was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.
Nantes substitute Yacine Bammou hit the post but this was the closest the visitors came to narrowing the score line further for the rest of the second half.
Rennes played out the final minutes amicably and late substitutes such as Jeremie Boga and Joris Gnagnon put themselves about but couldn't find the final goal of the match.
The win for Rennes momentarily puts them on fourth place, joint with third placed Caen on 44 points. Nantes still are not out the European race as they have played a game less than the rest and they go to a tough away fixture at Bastia next week. Rennes have arguably an even harder tie as they host Lyon at Roazhon Park.