Rennes dismantle Monaco and ruin Pogba’s long-awaited comeback

Roazhon Park witnessed a full-blown earthquake as AS Monaco suffered another painful 4-1 defeat, overwhelmed by a relentless and clinical Stade Rennes determined to keep climbing the Ligue 1 McDonald’s table. Despite a hopeful start, Sébastien Pocognoli’s team once again exposed alarming defensive gaps and visible psychological fragility, especially after Denis Zakaria’s red card, which completely shifted the momentum.
The night was also marked by the most anticipated return in French football: Paul Pogba, back on the pitch after 811 days away from the game.

Rennes strike first and leave Monaco in shock

Monaco opened the match with energy, but poor finishing once again haunted them. Early efforts from Ansu Fati and Ilenikhena fell short against a disciplined and patient Rennes. Just as the game seemed balanced, the first blow arrived: Abdelhamid Aït-Boudlal pushed in a cross from Mahdi Camara to make it 1-0, a goal that exposed the visitors’ lack of coordination at the back.
As Monaco attempted to regroup, Rennes increased their tempo.

Monaco collapse: goals, counters and a fatal red card

The second half began like a storm. A powerful strike from Mousa Al-Tamari, poorly parried by Hradecký, fell directly to Camara, who calmly secured the 2-0.
Monaco looked shaken, disorganized, and things spiraled further in the 66th minute when Denis Zakaria received a straight red card for a reckless midfield challenge.
Down to ten men, the Principality side became easy prey. Rennes smelled blood, pressed high and punished relentlessly: former Monaco striker Breel Embolo made it 3-0, and later Ludovic Blas converted a penalty for 4-0. The Monaco defense looked lost, the midfield disconnected, and the attack completely out of rhythm.

Pogba returns, but cannot prevent the collapse

The only bright spot for Monaco came in the 85th minute, when Paul Pogba stepped onto a professional pitch for the first time in more than two years following his doping suspension.
The crowd rose, applauded and celebrated the 2018 World Cup winner, who looked emotional yet eager to contribute. But the match’s fate had long been sealed.
In stoppage time, Mika Biereth pulled one back for the 4-1 final score—a mere consolation on a painful night.
The defeat leaves Monaco sinking deeper into doubt, with back-to-back 4-1 losses, a confused defensive line and numerous unresolved problems. Rennes, meanwhile, delivered a commanding performance that firmly places them in the European race.