Sturm Graz - Rennes: Frustrating Start to Europa League for Rennes with Draw in Austria

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Rennes began their Europa League campaign with a 0-0 draw against Sturm Graz in Austria. The French team had opportunities but failed to convert them, and later endured significant pressure from the hosts.

The match concluded with a 0-0 scoreline. Rennes can reflect on missed chances, while Franck Haise's squad faced a tough closing period.

Stade Rennais' next Europa League fixture is scheduled for Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 9 PM against OFI Crete at home.

In the closing moments, Rennes earned a promising free-kick after Stankovic fouled Nordin.

Sturm Graz intensified their efforts in stoppage time, putting considerable pressure on Rennes in the final seconds.

Sturm Graz defender Quarshie is expected to return to the game after an accidental head collision with Dia. The Austrian team had no more substitutions available.

Five minutes of added time were announced, leaving Rennes with a final push to secure a victory.

Quarshie was involved in an accidental collision with Dia, taking a blow to the chin. He initially got up but fell back down.

Hodl had another chance from a corner, attempting a volley from inside the box, but it went wide.

Lepaul was substituted and replaced by summer arrival Boulaye Dia.

Samba had to deal with a scramble following a corner, with the ball remaining in the box before being cleared.

Substitute Seidl immediately tested Samba with a low shot that the Rennes goalkeeper managed to save.

Sturm Graz made further substitutions: Stankovic came on and took the captain's armband from Matoshi. Balbo, who had received a yellow card, was replaced by Seidl.

Rennes also brought on fresh legs: Blas and Reynodls were replaced by Mayenda and Ait Boudlal for the final ten minutes.

Statistics show Rennes had 23 shots, with only 5 on target. They dominated possession and attempts but struggled to break through Sturm Graz's defense.

Rongier, a recent substitute, immediately took a shot from the center that was saved by Khudyakov.

Lepaul showed frustration after being brought down by Quarshie without a foul being called.

Franck Haise made tactical changes, bringing on Rongier and Nordin for Szymanski and Al-Tamari in midfield and attack.

Samba was alert to a quick counter-attack from Sturm Graz, coming out of his area to intercept.

Hodl's attempt from outside the box missed the target.

Blas's shot lacked accuracy, a recurring issue for Rennes, potentially leading to regret later.

Rennes continued to press against Sturm Graz's defense, but the Austrian team held firm, preventing Rennes from finding the net.

Weinhandl was hit in the face by a clearance from Cresswell, needing a moment to recover.

Sturm Graz made a double substitution: Diakité and Rozga replaced Beganovic and Mamageishvili.

Rennes created a chance with Lepaul shooting from a tight angle, followed by a miss from Blas on the rebound.

Samba made a crucial save, denying Hodl after the Sturm Graz player turned and shot from a counter-attack.

Lepaul attempted a powerful shot from 25 meters that went wide.

A cross from Nagida found Lepaul, whose header was off-target.

Thomasson was cautioned for a foul on Balbo.

Balbo received a yellow card for pulling Thomasson's shirt.

The second half started slowly, with both teams focusing on ball possession without accelerating the play.

Rennes maintained possession early in the second half, trying to break down Sturm Graz's defensive setup.

Sturm Graz captain Vallci was substituted at halftime, replaced by Malic in defense.

The second half kicked off at the Merkur-Arena, with Sturm Graz and Rennes resuming play.

At halftime, the score stands at 0-0. The first half was balanced, with Rennes creating the better chances. Thomasson had a goal disallowed for Rennes, and Koller had one disallowed for Sturm Graz.

Lepaul missed a clear chance in front of the goalkeeper, but was flagged offside.

Three minutes of added time were indicated for the first half as Rennes struggled to penetrate Sturm Graz's defense.

Koller fouled Blas on the right flank, indicating an increasingly fragmented game.

Al-Tamari lost possession near his own penalty area, but Sturm Graz failed to capitalize.

Rennes maintained sterile possession, struggling to create clear opportunities.

Sturm Graz registered their first shot from Weinhandl from 25 meters, which was saved by Samba.

Koller's goal for Sturm Graz was disallowed, marking the second disallowed goal of the match after Thomasson's earlier effort.

The VAR review was initiated for Koller's goal, with potential offside calls against Koller and Hodl.

Koller appeared to have opened the scoring for Sturm Graz with a header from a long free-kick, beating Samba.

Sturm Graz struggled to create dangerous moments, with no shots on target in the first half.

Khudyakov made a reflex save to deny Blas after a cross from Al-Tamari.

Reynolds' long-range shot from over 25 meters did not trouble the Sturm Graz goalkeeper.

Samba was fouled by Hodl during a corner, allowing Rennes to regain possession.

Sturm Graz earned a corner, exerting pressure on the Rennes defense.

Rennes found it difficult to advance into the opposition's half, facing a compact Austrian block and struggling to find spaces.

The match was generally balanced, though Rennes had generated the more significant chances, with both teams remaining close.

Balbo made a crucial sliding tackle to deny Al-Tamari, who was advancing towards goal.

Sturm Graz regained possession and began to control the ball, establishing their play in the Rennes half.

Al-Tamari and Vallci were engaged in a tight duel on the left flank throughout the match.

Samba quickly intervened in a crowded Rennes penalty area to secure the ball.

Lepaul attempted a shot inside the box but it went high over the bar.

Following Thomasson's disallowed goal, Rennes continued to push and apply pressure on Sturm Graz's defense.

Thomasson's goal was disallowed for an offensive handball.

The referee consulted VAR to review Thomasson's goal for a potential handball.

Thomasson appeared to have scored for Rennes, poking the ball in after Lepaul's acrobatic attempt was partially blocked.

Rennes maintained composure under Sturm Graz's pressing, successfully clearing the ball and resisting Austrian pressure.

Nagida defended well to intercept a pass from Hodl.

Rennes advanced into the opposition's half early on, increasing their pressure.

Samba collected the first cross from Sturm Graz on the left wing.

The match began with the kick-off from Sturm Graz, marking the start of the Europa League season.

A vibrant atmosphere was present at the Merkur-Arena in Graz.

A significant number of Rennes supporters traveled to Austria to support their team.

The players entered the pitch at the Merkur-Arena, with the kick-off imminent.

Rennes players were warming up and preparing for their first Europa League match.

Sturm Graz has a poor record against French teams, with no wins in their last six encounters (two draws, four losses). Their recent Champions League campaign included losses to Brest and Lille.

This match marks the first-ever meeting between SK Sturm Graz and Stade Rennais.

Sturm Graz Starting XI: Khudyakov - Quarshie; Vallci; Mamageishvili; Beganovic; Balbo; Heil; Koller; Weinhandl; Hödl; Matoshi.

Stade Rennais Starting XI: Samba - Reynolds; Cresswell; Rouault; Nagida - Camara; Thomasson; Szymanski - Blas; Al Tamari; Lepaul.

Welcome to the live commentary of the Europa League opening match between Sturm Graz and Rennes.

Stade Rennais, who finished sixth in Ligue 1 last season, begin their Europa League campaign with the aim of performing well, especially after missing European competitions in the 2025-26 season.

Franck Haise's team faces Sturm Graz, currently fourth in the Austrian league, in what is considered an approachable start to their European journey.

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