Stade Rennais continued their resurgence and used the visit of AS Monaco to confirm their upward momentum. In a lively Roazhon Park, the Breton side delivered a commanding performance that allowed them to climb above their opponents in the standings, while Monaco slumped to a third straight defeat. Their only real source of comfort came from the long-awaited return of Paul Pogba, warmly applauded by the crowd more than two years after his last official appearance.
Among the standout performers of the match, Abdelhamid Aït-Boudlal once again stole the spotlight. The 19-year-old Moroccan defender is enjoying a remarkable run of form and is steadily establishing himself as one of Rennes’ most reliable players. Early in the game, he surged forward from the back line, followed the move all the way into the box, and capitalised on a superb curling cross from Camara to break the deadlock. His finish, controlled with the upper thigh, reflected both his determination and his excellent sense of timing, as he consistently supports attacking moves without hesitation.
Aït-Boudlal didn’t stop there. Minutes later, he caught the eye again with a bold run down the right flank, exploiting Monaco’s defensive lapses. His drive, energy, and willingness to carry the ball forward repeatedly put Rennes in advantageous positions, highlighting a maturity far beyond his age. His recent numbers speak for themselves: two goals and one assist in his last four appearances, outstanding statistics for a centre-back and clear evidence of his rapid development and growing influence within the squad.
Against this confident and ambitious Rennes side, AS Monaco once again exposed their vulnerabilities. Despite a decent opening spell, the team collapsed physically and mentally after the break, allowing Rennes to dictate the tempo and control the match. Pogba’s return added emotion, but it did little to mask Monaco’s struggles, particularly in transition and defensive organisation.
The evening ultimately showcased two contrasting trajectories: a revitalised Rennes driven by the rise of Aït-Boudlal, and a disoriented Monaco side unable to halt their decline. For the young Moroccan defender, it was yet another assured display, one that reinforces his importance at club level and further strengthens the interest surrounding him ahead of the Moroccan national team’s upcoming fixtures.
