Sebastian Szymanski double sends Rennes top of Ligue 1

Rennes moved six places to the Ligue 1 summit after beating struggling Strasbourg 3-0 at Roazhon Park on Sunday, extending their unbeaten home run to nine matches.

The hosts took time to establish control, with neither side creating a clear opportunity during the opening 30 minutes. Strasbourg’s Diogo Sousa sent an effort wide before Rennes goalkeeper saved Giovanni Reyna’s attempt.

Rennes eventually broke the deadlock in the 34th minute. Przemyslaw Frankowski played the ball into the penalty area, where Boulaye Dia found space in front of goal and finished first time.

The goal continued Strasbourg’s defensive difficulties. They have now conceded in 16 consecutive Ligue 1 matches and faced an even greater challenge after falling behind.

Rennes doubled their lead four minutes before the interval. Mahamadou Nagida delivered the ball across the area and Sebastian Szymanski met it first time, sending his finish beyond Strasbourg goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen.

Strasbourg required a response after half-time but instead fell further behind shortly after the hour mark.

Szymanski produced the match’s outstanding moment in the 61st minute. After receiving possession around 25 yards from goal, he curled a superb left-footed strike against the underside of the crossbar and into the net.

His second goal of the afternoon effectively settled the contest. Strasbourg failed to produce a shot on target in the second half as Rennes comfortably protected their advantage.

The result leaves Strasbourg in the relegation play-off position following four consecutive league defeats, underlining the extent of their problems at the back.

Rennes now lead the standings on 16 points and have made an impressive early start to the season.

Marseille claimed a narrow 4-3 victory over Le Havre in another Sunday fixture, while Monaco and Lille drew 1-1 after Lille’s Tanguy Nianzou was sent off in the 66th minute.

Auxerre and Le Mans also finished 1-1, while Angers drew 0-0 with Lorient and Toulouse recorded the same score against Troyes.

Paris Saint-Germain’s game against Lyon was postponed until Monday because of security concerns in Paris.