Marseille secure easy success versus Rennes claiming Europa League place

Rennes started the last day in fifth position with a three point lead over Marseille and slim hopes of a top four finish.

However any chances of securing Champions League qualification ended abruptly after a poor opening ten minutes at the Stade Velodrome.

Pierre Emile Hojbjerg took only two minutes to net his fourth Ligue 1 goal of the season directing a low shot past Mathys Silistrie.

Things deteriorated rapidly for Rennes after Amine Gouiri charged down Silistrie clearance to force the ball into the net.

After their sluggish beginning Rennes threatened in attack around the middle of the first half when Ludovic Blas prompted Geronimo Rulli to save at the near post.

The Marseille keeper needed to produce a finer save to stop Musa Al Taamaris curling effort from long range reacting sharply to push the ball onto the crossbar.

Having noted the danger posed by the opponents Habib Beye who was dismissed by Rennes in February would have been happy to witness Pierre Emerick Aubameyang extend the advantage early in the second period.

A play commenced by Rennes carelessly surrendering possession finished with Aubameyang delivering a precise chip into the far post.

In the closing moments Esteban Lepaul confirmed his status as Ligue 1 top scorer heading powerfully from Arnaud Nordin cross just minutes after Mahdi Camara struck the woodwork.

Lepauls twenty first league goal provided Franck Haise side with some late drive yet failed to avert a loss that directs them to the Conference League unless Lens overcome Nice in the Coupe de France final turning sixth place into a UEL spot.