Rennes 1-2 Monaco: 10-man visitors hold on to move into second place

Despite having scorer Vanderson sent off late in the game and conceding a late penalty, AS Monaco held on for a 2-1 win at Stade Rennais on Saturday, moving up to second place in Ligue 1.

Monaco are second on 30 points, one point ahead of Nice, who host Reims on Sunday, and Paris St Germain are first on 33 points before hosting Nantes later on Saturday.

Rennes' failure to clear Ismail Jakobs' cross into the area resulted in the opening goal in the 51st minute. Vanderson was set up by Folarin Balogun's pass, and his shot deflected off Jeanuel Belocian on its way into the net.

Rennes, who had provided little offensively, were given a lifeline in the 75th minute when Vanderson received his second booking and the visitors were reduced to 10 men.

Monaco, on the other hand, increased their lead in the 85th minute when Youssouf Fofana received a pass from Balogun and took the ball into the area before side-footing into the bottom corner.

Four minutes later, Fofana conceded a penalty, which Benjamin Bourigeaud converted to make it 2-1, but Rennes were unable to find an equalizer in added time, and Monaco took all three points.

Rennes now sit in 12th place with 15 points.

SportsLigue