Clauss Cuts Through Rennes at Roazhon Park
Worth Watching Futmetrix Score: 55/100. Nice steal a fragile away win through clinical finishing, exposing Rennes' possession dominance as a hollow threat when precision fails.
The Shooting Gallery: 27 Attempts and VAR's Final Word
Roazhon Park became a chaotic arena from kickoff. Rennes controlled the pitch with 58% possession and unleashed 19 shots, yet it was the visitor who struck with surgical precision. Jonathan Clauss orchestrated Nice's assault: first as provider for S. Diop's opener at 38 minutes (1-0), then as finisher at the 45th—his strike confirmed by VAR after two minutes of scrutiny. This raw intensity—27 combined shots, 10 on target—defined a match stripped of mercy. Clauss's rating of 8.2 reflected his complete dominance: one goal, one assist, and the tactical intelligence to suffocate Rennes' midfield when it mattered most.
Rennes' Bench Cavalry Arrives Too Late
Yet Rennes never folded. Przemysław Frankowski, introduced at the 46th minute, injected the creative spark that had been missing. His orchestration led to A. Ait Boudlal's 67th-minute equaliser—another substitute proving the value of fresh legs. That late goal reignited Roazhon Park, manufacturing genuine stakes in the final twenty minutes. But Nice, despite managing only 42% possession and eight shots, displayed the composure of a side that knows how to kill matches. Abdulay Juma Bah, the substitute defender, was immense in Nice's rearguard, earning a 7.7 rating for his defensive reconstruction.
The Balance Breaks: Nice's Precision Wins
One lead change—from 1-0 to 1-2—encapsulates the tale: Nice struck twice and scored twice. Rennes, statistically superior with an xG of 1.74 against Nice's 0.73, lacked the clinical edge. This victory propels Nice into the upper reaches while Rennes, trapped in a sequence of draws (LDDDD), languishes at 10th place. Possession without precision is merely possession.
Key Questions
How did Clauss dismantle Rennes' defence?
Clauss scored twice and assisted once, controlling Nice's attacking rhythm with impeccable positioning. His brace at 38' and 45' broke Rennes' resolve before they could build momentum.
Why couldn't Rennes convert their dominance?
Despite 58% possession and 19 shots, Rennes lacked clinical finishing. Nice defended intelligently and struck twice to score twice—a masterclass in efficiency over volume.
Did Rennes' substitutes change the game's trajectory?
Frankowski and Ait Boudlal sparked Rennes with a 67th-minute goal, creating genuine drama. Too late to equalise, but enough to prove Rennes possessed the tools—just not the timing.
Why is this match rated 55/100?
Our Futmetrix algorithm analyzed intensity, balance, and stakes. The final score of 55/100 places this match in the "Worth Watching" category.
