Moses Simon was the hero on Sunday as Nantes ended their 10-match losing streak with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Stade Rennais in the Brenton derby. The Nigerian winger’s late brilliance at the Stade de la Beaujoire gave Nantes a crucial lifeline in their fight against relegation.
Simon’s Magical Moment
In the 89th minute, with the game seemingly destined for a draw, Simon conjured a moment of individual genius. Receiving the ball from Nicolas Pallois just outside the penalty area, he weaved past two defenders with dazzling footwork and unleashed a curling strike into the top corner, leaving Rennes goalkeeper Steve Mandanda helpless.
Simon’s goal drew comparisons to Lionel Messi, with fans and pundits lauding the winger’s technique and composure under pressure.
The match was an intense contest, marked by the dismissal of Rennes defender M. Faye just before halftime for a reckless challenge. Despite their numerical advantage, Nantes found it difficult to breach Rennes’ compact defense until Simon’s late intervention.
Reflecting on his match-winning goal, Simon said, “It was a special moment, especially in front of our fans. This win means everything to us as a team.”
Nantes manager Pierre Aristouy commended his squad’s resilience, emphasizing the emotional boost the victory provides in their battle to avoid relegation.
- Nantes: The win lifts them off the bottom of the Ligue 1 table, offering renewed hope as they aim to climb out of the relegation zone.
- Rennes: The defeat leaves them mid-table, with concerns over missed opportunities and discipline likely to dominate post-match discussions.
As Nantes celebrates a morale-boosting derby win, Simon’s spectacular goal will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the highlights of their season.
