Following last week’s match against Brentford, Rennes continued their pre-season preparations with a fixture in Sunderland, a side that has also qualified for the Europa League.
The two teams felt each other out initially, before Franck Haise’s side stepped up the pressure in the opposition’s penalty area. Set up by a precise pass from Quentin Merlin, Sebastian Szymański made the difference with his first touch. Brought down, the Polish player was awarded a penalty. Building on the foundations laid last season with an extensive pre-season programme, Estéban Lepaul converted confidently (0–1, 32’). The first half ended in SRFC’s favour (0–1). Having dominated early on and still leading at the hour mark, the Bretons eventually faltered. Back from the World Cup, Dutchman Brian Bobbey made his presence felt with a powerful strike (61’, 1–1), before Trai Hume stepped up to give his side the lead and secure victory.
SRFC’s starting XI: Brice Samba; Przemysław Frankowski (Bryan Reynolds 81’), Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal, Anthony Rouault (Charlie Cresswell 72’), Quentin Merlin (Mahamadou Nagida 89’), Valentin Rongier (capt.), Sebastian Szymanski, Adrien Thomasson (Eliezer Mayenda 81'), Issa Soumaré (Arnaud Nordin 89'), Mousa Al-Tamari (Ludovic Blas 72'), Estéban Lepaul.
Manager: Franck Haise
Opposing starting XI: Robin Roefs; Trai Hume, Dan Ballard, Luke O’Nien, Reinildo, Xhaka (capt.), Noah Sadiki (Habib Diarra 62’), Enzo Le Fée, Chemsdine Talbi (Romain Mundle 62’), Brian Bobbey (Wilson Isidor 72’), Nilson Angulo (Chris Rigg 62’).
Manager: Régis Le Bris
Pre-season friendly
Sunderland AFC v Stade Rennais F.C.: 2–1
SAFC:
Brian Bobbey (61'), Trai Hume (70')
SRFC:
Estéban Lepaul (32')
Saturday 15 August 2025 – 4.00 pm CEST
Stadium of Light
