In the first match of the group stage of the UEFA Europa League, Stade Rennais faces SK Sturm Graz at Merkur Arena. At halftime, the score is 0-0.
Against a solid and well-organized Austrian team, Franck Haise's players try to take the initiative in a particularly tough encounter. This first half was marked by intense physical engagement and great tactical discipline. In the 9th minute, Adrien Thomasson thought he had given the Bretons the lead, but his goal was disallowed after a video review.
The Austrian response came quickly, but Sturm Graz also had a goal ruled out in the 35th minute for offside as indicated by VAR. Despite several offensive attempts from both sides, neither team managed to change the scoreboard before the halftime whistle.
Everything is to play for in the second half
Returning to the locker room with a score of 0-0, Rennais and the Austrians part ways on a perfect balance after a fiercely contested first forty-five minutes. Stade Rennais will need to show more precision in their final actions and increase the pace of play in the second half to hope for a first away victory in this European campaign.
