Home / Sports / Nice battles Rennes: Underdogs host crucial Ligue 1 clash
Nice battles Rennes: Underdogs host crucial Ligue 1 clash
7 Mar
Summary
- Nice sits 15th in Ligue 1, narrowly avoiding Champions League qualification last season.
- Rennes advanced to Coupe de France semifinals for the first time since 2021-22.
- Rennes has won three consecutive matches, improving their European qualification chances.
Nice will face Stade Rennais at the Allianz Riviera in a Ligue 1 fixture on Sunday, March 9, 2026. Nice narrowly missed direct UEFA Champions League qualification last season, finishing just one point shy.
This season has been challenging for Nice, who are presently 15th in the league standings with 24 points from 24 matches. Their recent form has been a concern for supporters.
Stade Rennais is experiencing a resurgence. After a difficult January and early February, they have rediscovered winning ways. They recently advanced to the Coupe de France semifinals for the first time since the 2021-22 season by defeating 10-man Lorient.
In league play, Rennes secured a vital 1-0 victory against Toulouse, with new signing Arnaud Nordin scoring his first goal for the club. This win was part of a three-game winning streak for Les Rennais.
Nice, having won only one league match since November, enters this game as slight underdogs. However, they possess a strong home record at the Allianz Riviera, remaining unbeaten in their last seven games there.
Rennes has been inconsistent on the road but their current winning momentum suggests they have enough to at least avoid defeat in this upcoming clash, as they aim to secure European qualification.
