Stade Rennais produced an impressive second-half performance to secure a 4-1 victory over Auxerre in their Ligue 1 encounter at Roazhon Park on Sunday, with Boulaye Dia scoring twice in stoppage time to seal the emphatic win.
Esteban Lepaul opened the scoring for Rennes in the 15th minute, finishing a move assisted by Charlie Cresswell.
However, Auxerre responded 10 minutes later through Cameron Archer, who latched onto a long pass from goalkeeper Mamadou Diop before slotting the ball home with his left foot.
Both sides went into the break level at 1-1, but Rennes returned with greater attacking intent after the interval and regained the lead in the 53rd minute.
Adrien Thomasson headed home Bryan Reynolds’ delivery following a well-executed set-piece routine to put the hosts ahead.
Rennes maintained their pressure as Auxerre struggled to create clear-cut opportunities.
The hosts dominated possession and registered more shots on target, while their opponents found it increasingly difficult to contain the attacking threat.
The home side eventually extended their advantage in stoppage time through substitute Dia, who struck twice to put the result beyond doubt.
The Senegalese forward first converted a pass from Ludovic Blas before completing his brace with Reynolds providing the assist for the fourth goal.
Reynolds was instrumental in the victory, finishing with two assists and creating several opportunities for his teammates.
Cresswell also contributed with an assist for the opening goal as Rennes demonstrated their attacking depth.
The victory was a reward for Rennes’ improved second-half display, during which they created more chances and applied sustained pressure on the visitors.
Auxerre, despite competing well in the opening period, were unable to match the hosts’ intensity after the break.
Dia’s late double ensured Rennes finished the encounter with a convincing scoreline, while Auxerre were left to rue their inability to withstand the home side’s late attacking surge.
