Nice, France – In a dominant display of football, Stade Rennais defeated OGC Nice 4-0 on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the Allianz Riviera. The victory marks Rennes’ fourth consecutive win in Ligue 1 and a triumphant return to his former club for manager Franck Haise. The match, a significant fixture in the 25th round of the 2025-2026 Ligue 1 season, saw Valentin Rongier deliver a standout performance with two assists, while Ludovic Blas and Nordan Mukiele added to Nice’s woes after coming off the bench.
The result leaves Nice struggling in the league, while Rennes continues its climb up the standings. The game highlighted a clear disparity in performance, with Rennes appearing far more composed and effective in both attack and defense. The win underscores Haise’s immediate impact since taking the helm at Rennes, having now secured three wins in his first three Ligue 1 matches – a feat only previously achieved by Julien Stéphan in December 2018, according to reports from the match.
Haise Returns to Former Club with a Statement Victory
Franck Haise’s return to the Allianz Riviera was a storyline leading up to the match, having previously managed OGC Nice before departing in December. His tactical approach clearly paid dividends, as Rennes controlled much of the game. The team’s ability to capitalize on opportunities and maintain a strong defensive structure proved too much for the home side to handle. Haise, speaking after the match, emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and preparing for their next challenge against Lille, stating, “It is still a long way to go in the championship.” Stade Rennais’ official website reported his post-match comments.
Rennes’ Offensive Prowess on Display
Valentin Rongier was instrumental in Rennes’ success, providing two crucial assists that helped unlock the Nice defense. His performance earned him recognition as a key player in the match. The introduction of substitutes Ludovic Blas and Nordan Mukiele further compounded Nice’s problems, with both players contributing to the scoreline. Blas, in particular, has been in impressive form this season, being involved in five goals as a substitute in Ligue 1 2025/26 (3 goals, 2 assists) – the most by any player this season. Rennes’ official website highlighted Blas’s impact.
Rongier also boasts four assists in Ligue 1 this season, his second-highest total in a single season after recording five with Nantes in the 2018/19 campaign. He has been involved in five goals in 23 Ligue 1 matches with SRFC this season. Estéban Lepaul, also speaking after the game, noted the team’s positive dynamic, stating, “We are very ambitious, that’s for sure, but the coach has repeated it well, we focus on ourselves.”
Nice’s Struggles Continue
For OGC Nice, the defeat represents a continuation of their recent struggles. The team appeared unable to contain Rennes’ attacking threat and failed to create significant scoring opportunities of their own. The loss raises questions about their current form and their ability to compete at the higher end of the Ligue 1 table. Dante, Nice’s captain and the oldest player in the league at 42 years and 4 months aged, could not inspire his team to victory.
The team’s performance drew criticism, and the pressure will be on manager to address the issues and turn their season around. The 4-0 scoreline is a stark reminder of the challenges facing the club. The match also highlighted the growing gap between Nice and the top teams in the league.
Key Stats and Highlights
The match saw Rennes dominate possession and create a higher number of scoring chances. The final scoreline of 4-0 accurately reflects the difference in performance between the two teams. Rennes’ ability to convert their opportunities and maintain a solid defensive shape proved decisive. The team’s attacking players, including Blas and Mukiele, made a significant impact after being introduced from the bench.
The victory for Rennes solidifies their position as a serious contender in Ligue 1. Their consistent performance under Haise has instilled confidence within the squad and among the fans. The team’s focus now shifts to their upcoming match against Lille, where they will glance to continue their winning streak. Nice, will need to regroup and address their shortcomings if they hope to salvage their season.
Match Details
- Teams: OGC Nice vs. Stade Rennais
- Date: March 7, 2026
- Venue: Allianz Riviera, Nice, France
- Result: OGC Nice 0 – 4 Stade Rennais
- Competition: Ligue 1 McDonald’s 25/26 – 25th matchday
The comprehensive victory for Stade Rennais demonstrates their growing strength and ambition in Ligue 1. With Franck Haise at the helm, the team appears well-positioned to challenge for a top spot in the league. For OGC Nice, the defeat serves as a wake-up call and a reminder of the work that needs to be done to compete at the highest level. L’Équipe provided live updates during the match.
The next confirmed checkpoint for both teams is their upcoming Ligue 1 fixtures. Rennes will face Lille, while Nice will look to bounce back against another opponent. Fans can stay updated on the latest news and results on the official Ligue 1 website and through reputable sports news outlets.
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