Ghanaian defender Alidu Seidu praises heroic Lens after goalless clash with Rennes

Rennes failed to capitalise on a numerical advantage as they were held to a 0-0 draw by a determined Lens side.

The home team played with one extra man for almost the entire match but still could not break through a resilient defence.

After the final whistle, Ghanaian defender Alidu Seidu spoke with admiration about the visitors’ performance.

“The red card in the first minute should have helped us, but Lens showed great strength,” Seidu said. “Honestly, they played a very solid game.”

Rennes entered the match as favourites after Lens were reduced to ten men almost immediately.

The early dismissal gave the hosts control of possession and territory, but they struggled to convert dominance into clear scoring chances.

Lens, despite being at a disadvantage, displayed impressive discipline and organisation.

Their defensive structure stayed compact, frustrating Rennes and limiting them to half-chances.

Seidu highlighted this resilience and admitted that Lens deserved credit for their approach.

The defender also praised the visitors’ attacking threat, which continued despite their numerical inferiority.

“They created many dangerous moments, especially with Florian Thauvin in top form,” he said.

Thauvin’s creativity and pace offered Lens an outlet on the counterattack. Several breaks tested Rennes’ defence and prevented them from committing too many players forward.

The balance Lens maintained between defence and attack underscored their determination and tactical intelligence.

For Rennes, the result felt like a missed opportunity. With a man advantage for nearly 90 minutes, they had the ideal conditions to secure three points.

Their failure to do so left frustration among players and supporters alike.

Seidu’s comments reflected a mixture of disappointment and respect. While Rennes expected more, he acknowledged that Lens’ performance deserved recognition.

The visitors refused to collapse under pressure and delivered a display that combined mental strength with tactical discipline.

The match also raised questions about Rennes’ attacking efficiency. They struggled to find creative solutions against a deep-lying defence and lacked sharpness in the final third.

Opportunities came and went without a decisive finish, leaving the scoreboard untouched.

For Lens, the result represented a moral victory. Playing almost the entire game with ten men and still earning a point showcased their resilience and competitive spirit.

The draw also reinforced their reputation as a team capable of fighting under challenging circumstances.

Seidu’s remarks summed up the mood at Roazhon Park — admiration for the opponent mixed with disappointment over missed chances.

Rennes must now learn from this experience as they look to improve their decision-making and execution in similar situations.

The goalless draw may not satisfy their ambitions, but it served as a reminder of the unpredictability and intensity of Ligue 1.

Against a heroic Lens side, even numerical superiority offered no guarantees.