The Stade Rennais delivered another commanding performance in their pre-season campaign, securing a 2-1 victory over Belgian champions Club Bruges. This win follows their earlier triumph against Guingamp, reinforcing their strong start to the summer schedule.
Estéban Lepaul, the Ligue 1’s top scorer from last season, continued his impressive form by opening the scoring for Rennes shortly before halftime. His third goal of the summer set the tone for the match. In the dying moments, Issa Soumaré, a summer recruit from Le Havre, doubled the lead, sealing a well-deserved win. Despite a late consolation goal from Bruges, Rennes held firm, with young goalkeeper Kilian Belazzoug making a crucial penalty save to preserve the victory. Under the guidance of coach Franck Haise, the Breton side remains in fine form as they prepare to face Galatasaray on August 2.
Monaco suffers second consecutive friendly defeat
Monaco endured another setback in their pre-season preparations, falling 2-0 to Sporting CP in Lisbon. Without several key players including Balogun, Camara, Zakaria, Akliouche, and Paul Pogba, the principality club struggled to impose themselves. Despite a strong lineup featuring Lukas Hradecky in goal, the defensive pair of Kehrer and Dier, and an attack led by Mika Biereth and Aleksandr Golovin, Monaco was outplayed throughout the match.
Rafael Nel’s header in the 54th minute broke the deadlock, followed by Jesse Derry’s curled effort in the 68th minute. Hradecky made a crucial save after a cross struck the post, preventing a heavier defeat. Monaco will look to bounce back in their next friendly against Cercle Bruges in a week’s time.
Strasbourg’s woes continue with defeat to Blackburn
The Racing Club de Strasbourg endured another disappointing outing, losing 2-0 to Blackburn Rovers. After conceding an own goal from Andrew Omobamidele, Strasbourg showed signs of resilience, with goalkeeper Milosz Piekutowski making several key interventions. However, their hopes were dashed when young Englishman Samuel Amo-Ameyaw missed a penalty he had won himself.
Blackburn sealed the win late in the game with a long-range strike from Todd Cantwell. With their opening league fixture against Marseille looming, Strasbourg will need to regroup during the remainder of their pre-season schedule.
Ligue 1 pre-season friendly results – July 25, 2026
- Lens 2-2 Charleroi (BEL)
- Angers 2-1 Créteil (National 1)
- Troyes 3-0 Grenoble (Ligue 2)
- Le Mans 1-0 Nantes (Ligue 2)
- Guingamp (Ligue 2) 0-2 Lorient
- Union Saint-Gilloise (BEL) 2-1 Lille
- Rennes 2-1 Club Bruges (BEL)
- Auxerre 1-2 Orléans (National 3)
- Marseille 0-3 Nice
- Le Havre 2-1 Red Star (Ligue 2)
- Toulouse 1-1 Rodez (Ligue 2)
- Strasbourg 0-2 Blackburn (English League Two)
- Sporting CP (POR) 2-0 Monaco
