Le Gym keep going! The Rouge et Noir were victorious again on Sunday evening against Rennes (2-0), picking up a fourth consecutive win thanks to Jeremie Boga and Sofiane Diop. After eleven games, the Aiglons are top of the table!

The adventure continues! Francesco Farioli's side, the only remaining unbeaten team in Ligue 1, produced another warrior's display to defeat Stade Rennais 2-0 and regain the lead in the league on Sunday. In a roaring Allianz Riviera, Les Aiglons sealed their victory in the 88th minute thanks to a magnificent free kick from Sofiane Diop, helped in by the bar and Mandanda's back.

Before that, Les Azuréens, organised in their traditional 4-3-3 with the return of Khephren Thuram and Terem Moffi, were challenged by Rennes, who played well and were eager to press high up the pitch. Although the Red and Blacks got the ball rolling early on through Thuram (4') and then Boudaoui (12'), whose shots from inside the area failed to hit the target, it was the Bretons who were more accurate in the first half. Blas (5') and then Bourigeaud (32') both found themselves alone in the area to meet dangerous crosses, but they failed to beat Marcin Bułka, who was once again unstoppable and recorded his 8th clean sheet in 11 games.

DANCING BOGA

For Nice, the danger came from a man who put in an outstanding performance: Jeremie Boga. The Côte d'Ivoire international twisted and turned on the left flank, constantly harassing, dribbling and accelerating, giving his opposite number, Lorenz Assignon, a difficult evening. Despite not being rewarded for a superb run against Omari (29’), Le Gym's summer recruit finally found the net. Boga was on hand to meet Moffi's cross and took advantage of Assignon's error to control the ball and slot home past Mandanda from close range, putting Le Gym in front just before the break (1-0, 45').

DIOP SOUNDS THE CHARGE

The Rouge et Noir were in control in the second half but failed to make an impact. Boudaoui's close-range effort was denied by the Rennes keeper at the start of the second period, before the Aiglons had to go through a difficult spell, but with enormous courage and togetherness at all times. Youssouf Ndayishimiye was shown a red card after a poorly timed tackle on Enzo Le Fée, who was counter-attacking dangerously (75'). But Le Gym has plenty in the tank, and a high-quality bench to go with it... Moments after Gouiri's header flashed past Bułka's right-hand post (77'), Sofiane Diop sounded the charge.

The attacking midfielder, who had come on ten minutes earlier, resisted Rennes' pressing to launch a lightning counter-attack. With a subtle pass, he found Guessand, who was caught by Omari on his way to goal just outside the area. Omari, in turn, was sent off by Mr Turpin, and the resulting free-kick was superbly taken by Diop to put his side in front.

The Aiglons held their nerve. They held on for a fourth straight victory. A sixth consecutive clean sheet. And held on to their position at the top of Ligue 1, which they are guaranteed to keep for another week, until their trip to Montpellier next Friday (9pm).

Hugo Rondet