Stade Rennais Europa League campaign

Stade Rennais began its Europa League campaign with a 0-0 draw against Sturm Graz in Austria. Despite the scoreless result, Rennes controlled much of the possession and created several significant opportunities, recording 23 shots during the match. However, the team struggled with clinical finishing, managing only five shots on target.

An early goal by Adrien Thomasson in the 8th minute was disallowed following a VAR review for a handball, while a potential goal by Paul Koller was also ruled out due to an offside position. Goalkeeper Brice Samba made several crucial saves late in the match, including interventions in the 57th and 84th minutes, to preserve the clean sheet. Sturm Graz goalkeeper Daniil Khudiakov also provided key interventions, particularly against Estéban Lepaul and Ludovic Blas.

For manager Franck Haise, the result extends a difficult personal streak in the competition, as he has now managed 17 matches in the tournament without a victory. Haise expressed frustration regarding the team’s lack of efficiency in front of the goal. To manage a dense schedule involving four matches in fifteen days, the club implemented squad rotations and recovery strategies. Following the match in Graz, the team opted to stay in Slovenia for a three-day mini-training camp near Maribor to facilitate player recovery before their subsequent fixture against Lyon.