Esteban Lepaul opened the scoring for Rennes before Cameron Archer equalised for the visitors. Adrien Thomasson restored the hosts’ advantage after the break, while Boulaye Dia scored twice in stoppage time to complete a convincing victory.
Lepaul gives Rennes the lead
Rennes started cautiously but made their first major opportunity count in the 15th minute. Charlie Cresswell delivered an excellent pass into the space behind Auxerre’s defence, allowing Lepaul to finish and put the hosts ahead.
The goal gave Rennes an early advantage, but Auxerre responded positively and looked to exploit gaps in the home side’s defensive line.
Archer brings Auxerre level
Auxerre equalised in the 25th minute through Cameron Archer. The forward raced beyond the Rennes defence after a long pass from goalkeeper Mamadou Diop, rounded Brice Samba and finished via the post.
The goal made it 1–1 and ensured the teams went into half-time level despite Rennes’ early breakthrough.
Thomasson restores Rennes’ advantage
Rennes returned from the interval with greater attacking purpose and regained the lead in the 53rd minute.
Adrien Thomasson found the net to make it 2–1, giving the hosts renewed momentum and putting Auxerre under pressure to respond once more.
Rennes continued to create opportunities, although Auxerre remained dangerous enough to keep the outcome uncertain as the match approached its closing stages.
Dia seals the victory with a stoppage-time brace
Boulaye Dia delivered the decisive contribution late in the game, scoring in the 90th minute plus two and again in the 90th minute plus four.
His first goal extended Rennes’ lead to 3–1, before he struck again to complete the 4–1 scoreline.
The late double gave Rennes a comfortable winning margin after a contest that had remained competitive for much of the match.
What the result means
The victory provided Rennes with a valuable response after their 4–0 defeat away to Lyon in September. The result also moved them to 13 points from six league matches, according to the match report published after the game.
For Auxerre, the defeat was a disappointing end to a match in which Archer’s equaliser had briefly put them on level terms. Rennes’ improved second-half display and Dia’s late goals ultimately proved decisive.
Rennes will now prepare for their next Ligue 1 fixture against Paris FC on Sunday, 18 October, while also looking ahead to their UEFA Europa League meeting with OFI Crete.