Rennes snatched all three points with a 90th-minute winner to beat Le Mans 3-2 in a breathless Ligue 1 Matchday 2 encounter that featured five goals and a rollercoaster finish. Just when the contest looked destined to end level, the hosts found a way to strike the decisive blow deep into the final seconds, sending the home faithful into raptures and leaving the visitors empty-handed after a brave effort.

The headline performer was Estéban Lepaul, whose brace proved the difference between the two sides. Lepaul was clinical when it mattered most, converting his two opportunities with composure and ensuring his name would dominate the post-match conversation. His ability to stay composed in front of goal and deliver when his team needed him underscored why he was entrusted with leading the attacking line.

Behind Lepaul's goals was the creative engine of Adrien Thomasson, who delivered a masterful playmaking display with four key passes across the 90 minutes. Thomasson consistently found pockets of space to thread through-balls and crosses into dangerous areas, tormenting Le Mans's defensive structure throughout the match. His vision and passing range gave Rennes a constant outlet in the final third, and it was no coincidence that the hosts looked most threatening whenever the ball was at his feet.

Le Mans will feel aggrieved to leave with nothing after twice finding the back of the net and pushing Rennes all the way. Their two goals ensured the scoreline was never comfortable for the hosts, and the visitors showed enough quality and determination to suggest they will be competitive throughout the season. However, their inability to hold on at the death exposed a vulnerability that their coaching staff will need to address quickly.

For Rennes, the late winner in the 90th minute adds early momentum to their Ligue 1 campaign. Winning tight games through sheer persistence is the hallmark of sides that challenge at the top end of the table, and this result — built on Lepaul's finishing and Thomasson's creativity — will serve as a significant confidence boost heading into the coming weeks. On Matchday 2, when points are at a premium and squads are still finding their rhythm, there is nothing quite like a last-gasp victory to set the tone for the season ahead.