Rennais victorious in the Alps

Les Rouge et Noir have reserved their spot in the final of la Coupe de France that they last won in 1971 with a 1-0 victory over Grenoble at Stade des Alpes.

Despite the loss of Jimmy Briand, Guy Lacombe has done well to promote a club based upon solidarity and players stepping up to new responsibilities. Growing pains are obvious but performances have been commendable. Against well discipline Grenoble the task would be great but this building train of solidarity is the glue that has held them together. Following a turbulent beginning which threatened the match going forward, Rennais took the lead at the twentieth minute. Following Jérôme Leroy's cross from the left that was headed on by Bruno Cheyrou, the Grenoble goalkeeper and Romain Danzé collided and Moussa Sow sent in the loose ball. Empty of attacking answers, Mehmed Baždarević's Grenoble were unable to threaten in the attack until the final moments of the half Pierre Boya's effort caresses the crossbar. Returning from the break Cheick N'Diaye is sent in for an injured Nicolas Douchez. While energized and focused upon a needed goal, the Grenoblois lack the tactical cutting side to break through Rennais' defending. Missing a chance to silence Grenoble's chances, the hosts apply pressure but can't find a way and with referee's M Piccirilo whistle les Bretons head to the finale at Stade de France on 9 May.

PSG v Grenoble match preview

Week seven of the campaign has Mehmed Baždarević's Grenoble visit Parc des Princes to face PSG. Promotion to Ligue 1 for the club from the Rhône-Alpes region has brought extraordinary success as they have shown tactical precision and disciplined play. While they quite possibly have one of the thinnest squads in the upper-tier of Football in France, I very much doubt you can find a group as unified in play, coaching and intent at this stage of the season. In the first six matches of the young season they have defeated both Monaco and Stade Rennais, drawing level to Valenciennes and losing to Olympique Lyonnais and Girondins de Bordeaux in very well played matches.

Tactically, at this stage of the season, their opposition have played into their style and allowed them to get behind the ball when defending. However they are far too disciplined to allow good sight-lines in a slower attack but are susceptible to more pace-driven and crossing assaults, which bodes well for Ludovic Giuly, Stéphane Sessegnon, Jérôme Rothen and Mateja Kežman. Grenoble's back-four will be without Martial Robin who is serving a suspension from the Bordeaux match as well. Claude Makélélé will direct the PSG backline to pay particular care with Grenoble's attacking force of Daniel Moreira, Nassim Akrour and Franck Djadjede. Summarily, the key to defeating Grenoble is taking the match to them, not allowing them to get into a rhythm.