Rennes' chances fell well short of normal in a goalless draw

Rennes and Olympiakos Piraeus could not be separated at Roazhon Park, and the home side created far less than they usually do.

Rennes took nine shots at Roazhon Park, and only four were on target. Their usual haul at home is 21.3. Expected goals, a measure that gives each chance a value based on how often such chances go in, came to 0.5 for the hosts, against a usual 1.76. This was not a collapse, but it was a clear drop, and it explains why a goalless draw left the home side with little to show for their efforts.

Olympiakos Piraeus kept more of the ball than they usually do. They had 57 per cent possession, compared with an away average of 54.7, but their chances did not follow the same pattern. Twelve shots is close to the league average of 13.9 per side, yet their expected goals of 0.96 sat well below their own 1.71. Goalkeeper Ortega made four saves and earned a 7.7 rating, the highest of any player we have on either side.

Rennes had far less of the ball than usual. They held 43 per cent possession, down from a usual 58.7, and six of their nine shots came from inside the box, where most goals are scored. Their goalkeeper Samba made three saves, which tells us Olympiakos were not short of pressure in the final third. Neither side managed a shot that forced a clear breakthrough.

Two players stood out for their work without the ball. Cresswell won eight duels for Rennes and was rated 7.5. For Olympiakos, Hezze won nine duels and made five tackles, while Retsos added four more tackles at the back. Those numbers show a match fought in the middle of the park rather than one that was decided by a moment of quality.

Rennes also picked up two yellow cards in the closing minutes, one for Valentin Rongier in the 88th and one for Franck Haise in the 90th. Olympiakos received none. Neither side was reduced in numbers, so the final scoreline reflects a full-strength contest from start to finish.

Rennes sit 13th in the table with five points from three games. Olympiakos are fifth with nine points, having won all three of their away matches while scoring four and conceding one. Their record away from home is the strongest part of their start to the season.

Olympiakos have won each of their last six matches, and across that run they have conceded only two goals in total.

Player of the matchS. Ortega4 saves7.7

P. Retsos7 duels won7.6

C. Cresswell1 shot on target7.5

B. Samba3 saves7.3