Second-placed Monaco go five points clear of Marseille with Rennes draw

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:32 am
Rony Lopes saved Monaco against Rennes on Wednesday.
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Monaco moved five points clear of Marseille in the race for second place in Ligue 1 after taking a point from a 1-1 draw with Rennes.

Looking to bounce back from their Coupe de la Ligue final defeat by Paris Saint-Germain last Saturday, Monaco could count themselves somewhat fortunate not to suffer a second successive loss.

Rennes, pushing for European football themselves and on a good run, had 20 attempts on goal compared to eight for the visitors but Joris Gnagnon's 20th-minute strike was all they had to show for their dominance.

That put the hosts ahead but their lead lasted only nine minutes before Falcao set up Rony Lopes for the equaliser.

Rennes pushed hard for a second goal and Benjamin Andre headed against a post just before half-time but they were left frustrated, with Adrien Hunou heading wide in added time from the final opportunity.