SStade Rennais FC extended their scorching form with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over relegation-threatened FFC Nantes, maintaining their push for European football while deepening the visitors' crisis. The result marks five matches unbeaten for Rennes—four wins and a draw—keeping them firmly in contention for a top-four finish with 59 points. For Nantes, a sixth consecutive match without victory leaves them perilously positioned in 17th, just one spot above the automatic drop zone with only seven matches remaining. Estéban Lepaul, Rennes' prolific marksman with 13 goals this campaign, will have played a central role in this triumph, continuing his outstanding season. Despite Nantes' defensive resolve—anchored by Abakar Sylla—the gulf in quality and confidence proved decisive. The Canaries' struggles in front of goal, with defender Fabien Centonze leading their scoring charts with just four goals, once again hampered their ability to climb out of danger.