Rennes marked its Champions League group stage debut with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Russian side Krasnodar on Tuesday, conceding an equalizer just moments after scoring.
While Paris Saint-Germain had no fans allowed for its 2-1 home loss against Manchester United because of coronavirus concerns, local authorities in Brittany gave permission for 5,000 to attend at Roazhon Park. Some lit flares by the roadside as the Rennes team bus approached the stadium.
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Rennes marked its Champions League group stage debut with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Russian side Krasnodar on Tuesday, conceding an equalizer just moments after scoring.
But the depleted Russian side equalized three minutes later when left back Cristian Ramirez’s long-distance strike beat goalie Alfred Gomis at the near post.
Krasnodar's 21-year-old goalkeeper Matvei Safonov was the outstanding performer on the night.
After Safonov denied Adrien Hunou and Flavien Tait with fine second-half stops, Guirassy missed his close-range shot with seconds remaining.
Krasnodar's Kaio, left, and Rennes' Serhou Guirassy, second left, challenge for the ball during the Champions League, group E soccer match between Rennes and Krasnodar at the Roazhon Park stadium in Rennes, France, Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020. (AP PhotoDavid Vincent)
The long-awaited first Rennes goal in Europe's elite competition arrived in the 56th minute when striker Serhou Guirassy netted from the penalty spot after center half Yegor Sorokin fouled winger Martin Terrier.
Krasnodar's goalkeeper Matvei Safonov makes a save during the Champions League, group E soccer match between Rennes and Krasnodar at the Roazhon Park stadium in Rennes, France, Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020. (AP PhotoDavid Vincent)
But the depleted Russian side equalized three minutes later when left back Cristian Ramirez’s long-distance strike beat goalie Alfred Gomis at the near post.
Guirassy should have won it yet fluffed his close-range shot in the sixth minute of injury time.
Krasnodar players Evgeny Markov and Remy Cabella did not travel because of doubtful results of COVID-19 tests, and the visitors named just seven players on the bench.
Krasnodar's goalkeeper Matvei Safonov, right, deflects the ball over Rennes' Adrien Hunou, left, and Krasnodar's Egor Sorokin during the Champions League, group E soccer match between Rennes and Krasnodar at the Roazhon Park stadium in Rennes, France, Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020. (AP PhotoDavid Vincent)
Krasnodar's 21-year-old goalkeeper Matvei Safonov was the outstanding performer on the night.
Rising star Eduardo Camavinga, the 17-year-old France midfielder, forced Safonov into two good saves from outside the penalty area as Rennes dominated the first half.
But veteran Sweden striker Marcus Berg went close in the 32nd minute on a rare attack for the visitors.
Krasnodar's goalkeeper Matvei Safonov lies on the pitch in pain during the Champions League, group E soccer match between Rennes and Krasnodar at the Roazhon Park stadium in Rennes, France, Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020. (AP PhotoDavid Vincent)
After Safonov denied Adrien Hunou and Flavien Tait with fine second-half stops, Guirassy missed his close-range shot with seconds remaining.
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Rennes players celebrate after Rennes' Serhou Guirassy scored his side's opening goal during the Champions League, group E soccer match between Rennes and Krasnodar at the Roazhon Park stadium in Rennes, France, Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020. (AP PhotoDavid Vincent)
Krasnodar's Kaio, left, and Rennes' Serhou Guirassy, second left, challenge for the ball during the Champions League, group E soccer match between Rennes and Krasnodar at the Roazhon Park stadium in Rennes, France, Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020. (AP PhotoDavid Vincent)