Rennes awakens with fury as Strasbourg takes the blow

Roazhon Park witnessed a day of explosive football and an individual exhibition destined to enter recent Ligue 1 memories. Stade Rennes smashed Strasbourg 4-1, led by a sensational Esteban Lepaul, who lit up the stadium with a hat-trick and eased the pressure surrounding Habib Beye’s project.

The match started intensely, but it quickly became clear which side was ready to dictate the rhythm. Strasbourg arrived depleted, fatigued, and lacking attacking clarity… and Rennes sensed blood like a predator hunting wounded prey.

Lepaul delivers a masterpiece and unleashes chaos

Just 9 minutes in, Mousa Al-Tamari lifted his head and delivered a razor-sharp cross that Lepaul turned into the opening goal. It was the start of a legendary night.

Minutes later, Mohamed Kader Meïté doubled the lead at minute 35’, cementing a first half where Rennes controlled the ball, the tempo, and the space with complete authority.

But the real fireworks came after halftime. Just 48 seconds into the second half (48’), Lepaul struck again after an assist from Meïté. And as Strasbourg tried to react, Rennes delivered another dagger at the 60’: Valentin Rongier carried the ball and set up the hero of the night, who completed his hat-trick with ice-cold composure.

Strasbourg tries to respond, but the party already had an owner

With the scoreline shattered, Strasbourg pushed forward searching for dignity. Sebastian Nanasi, coming from the bench, pulled one back at 77’ after an assist from Valentín Barco, but it was far too late. Brice Samba responded when needed, and Rennes never lost emotional or tactical control.

The substitutions from both coaches didn’t change the story: the match had been sealed from the first half.

Rennes sends a message to Ligue 1: “We are alive”

This victory is worth more than three points, it’s a statement. Rennes needed to win and convince, and they did it with authority. The team showed solidity, intensity, direct football and, above all, an unexpected leader in Esteban Lepaul, who put himself firmly in the national spotlight with his most memorable performance yet.

Strasbourg, meanwhile, paid dearly for their absences and lack of freshness. Their game was disjointed, light in attack, and vulnerable in transitions. A reaction will be needed if they want to stay near the top.

Rennes roars again. And with a striker on fire, Ligue 1 will have to look toward Brittany.