Adrien Thomasson strike sends Rennes top of Ligue 1 as Marseille lose again

The result gave Rennes a third consecutive league win and underlined their impressive start to the season, while Marseille suffered a third defeat in their opening four matches.

Marseille made the brighter start and nearly took the lead after 11 minutes. Igor Paixao tested Brice Samba, but the Rennes goalkeeper reacted well to keep out the effort.

The first half then became increasingly scrappy, with neither side able to establish control or create sustained pressure. Both teams resorted to efforts from distance, although Marseille continued to look the more dangerous going forward.

Timothy Weah came closest with one of the visitors’ long-range attempts, forcing Samba into another good save as the goalkeeper tipped the ball over the crossbar.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg also wasted a good opportunity when he fired wide from inside the penalty area as Marseille struggled to turn their pressure into a goal.

Rennes emerged from the interval with greater intensity and were rewarded seven minutes into the second half.

The hosts moved the ball forward with more purpose before Thomasson finished from close range in the 52nd minute to score his first goal for Rennes and put his side ahead.

Marseille immediately looked for a response and Hojbjerg came close to levelling six minutes later. His effort was on target, but Samba produced another excellent save to preserve Rennes’ advantage.

Thomasson then went close to adding a second in the 72nd minute when his quick effort from inside the box struck the crossbar.

Marseille increased the pressure late on, but Rennes defended their lead effectively and limited the visitors to half-chances as they failed to find a decisive opening.

The victory leaves Rennes one point clear of second-placed Monaco at the top of Ligue 1.

Marseille, meanwhile, sit 11th with only three points from their first four matches, leaving Franck Haise with plenty to address as his side prepare for the opening round of the UEFA Europa League league phase next week.