Louis Mafouta produced a stunning individual performance, scoring twice to drag Le Mans back from a two-goal deficit, but his efforts were ultimately in vain as Stade Rennais secured a dramatic 3–2 victory at Roazhon Park.
Rennes made a blistering start, with Estéban Lepaul opening the scoring in the fifth minute before Valentin Rongier doubled the advantage in the 26th minute.
Mafouta responded almost immediately. The Central African Republic international reduced the deficit in the 30th minute after being set up by Leo Calodat, giving Le Mans renewed belief.
The forward completed his brace in the 54th minute from the penalty spot after a lengthy VAR review confirmed a handball against Rennes defender Przemysław Frankowski.
With the scores level at 2–2, Le Mans appeared to have completed a remarkable comeback. However, the contest descended into late drama.
Rennes were awarded a penalty in the sixth minute of stoppage time following another VAR intervention, and Lepaul converted to restore the hosts’ lead and complete his own brace.
Le Mans were handed one final opportunity in the 13th minute of added time when Mafouta went down inside the Rennes penalty area. The forward appealed strongly for a spot-kick, which would have given him a chance to complete a hat-trick and rescue a point.
After another review, however, the referee ruled against the penalty claim.
The final whistle confirmed a painful 3–2 defeat for Le Mans, despite Mafouta’s outstanding contribution. His brace had appeared to inspire a comeback, but late VAR drama and Rennes’ stoppage-time penalty ensured the visitors left Roazhon Park empty-handed.
