Stade Rennais continued its resurgent form with a 1-0 victory over Toulouse on Saturday, marking a third consecutive win since Franck Haise took the helm. The win follows a 3-1 triumph over Paris Saint-Germain, during which Sébastien Tambouret served as interim manager, and a 3-0 defeat of Auxerre.
The victory sharply contrasts with the four-match winless streak that preceded the departure of former manager Habib Beye. The team’s current run of success echoes a similar period earlier in the 2025-2026 season, when Rennes secured six wins in seven Ligue 1 matches.
Arnaud Nordin scored the decisive goal for Rennes in the 27th minute. The match saw a consistent 4-2-3-1 formation employed by Haise, featuring a back line of Nagida, Rouault, Brassier, and Merlin, with Camara and Rongier in defensive midfield. Al-Tamari and Nordin operated as wingers supporting forward Lepaul, even as Szymanski played in the attacking midfield role.
Despite controlling much of the first half, Rennes faced increased pressure after the break. Goalkeeper Samba was forced to make crucial saves in the 2nd, 57th, and 92nd minutes to preserve the lead. Beye had previously opted for a 3-5-2 formation, a tactical shift Haise has abandoned.
The win elevates Rennes to 40 points in the Ligue 1 standings, positioning them within contention for a Champions League berth. While trailing Paris and Lens (54 and 53 points respectively) in the title race, and potentially Lyon (who could reach 58 points this weekend), Rennes has drawn level with Olympique de Marseille, who currently occupy the fourth Champions League qualifying spot.
Rennes’ remaining schedule includes challenging away fixtures against Lyon and Marseille on May 3rd and May 16th, respectively. These matches could prove decisive in determining their European qualification prospects.
Arnaud Pouille, the president of Stade Rennais, confirmed Beye’s retention in his role following a 2-2 draw against Toulouse on October 29, 2025, despite the team’s struggles. Pouille stated in the locker room after the match, “We have decided to retain him. We need results and to move forward.” He acknowledged the club’s “fragile” position in the league table and the pressure it creates, but emphasized confidence in the squad and staff.
Prior to the decision to retain Beye, reports indicated he had been summoned to Pouille’s office following a 2-1 defeat to OGC Nice, fearing dismissal. Beye himself had acknowledged making difficult decisions, including benching Ludovic Blas and Seko Fofana for the match against Toulouse, citing the need to address the team’s dynamics.
Despite Pouille’s vote of confidence, the team continued to struggle under Beye, remaining on a six-match winless streak and sitting 10th in Ligue 1, seven points off the Champions League places and only three points above the relegation zone.
