# Ligue 1 Round 30 Recap: Rennes Overcome Nice 3-0 to Advance
In a thrilling encounter at the Stade de la Bastille on Sunday, Ligue 1 leaders Rennes secured their place in the Europa League qualification zone with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Nice. The result not only lifted Rennes' hopes but also provided a boost for the club's European ambitions.
### Key Highlights:
#### First Half:
The opening period was marked by defensive dominance from both sides. Rennes goalkeeper Antoine Griezmann made several impressive saves, including a crucial save from Nice's attacking midfielder Jean-Marc Akanji in the 28th minute. However, Nice had opportunities to break through. Akanji found himself one-on-one with Griezmann in the 44th minute, but his shot was saved low and wide.
#### Second Half:
Rennes took control in the second half. In the 65th minute, forward Yannick Carrasco scored his first goal of the season after a cleverly executed pass from Moussa Dembele. This goal gave Rennes a much-needed lead that they would not relinquish.
In the 79th minute, substitute striker Kévin Nkoudou doubled Rennes' advantage. He capitalized on a corner kick, finding the back of the net with a well-placed header. The crowd erupted in excitement as Nkoudou celebrated his second goal of the night.
Finally, in the 90th minute, substitute Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang added another strike, putting the game beyond doubt. Aubameyang's goal came after receiving a ball from Dembele and slotting it past Nice's keeper.
### Final Score:
Rennes 3 - 0 Nice
### Impact on the Season:
This victory was significant for Rennes not just because of its immediate impact on the league standings but also because it has opened up new possibilities for the club's future. With three points, Rennes now holds third place in the table, which is within reach of the top two spots. Additionally, the win places them firmly in the UEFA Europa League qualification zone, ensuring they will face either Montpellier or Lyon in the upcoming round of qualifying matches.
### Next Steps:
With this victory, Rennes can now focus on maintaining their form and preparing for the upcoming fixtures. They will look to maintain their winning streak and continue to build momentum towards the end of the season.
### Conclusion:
The victory against Nice was a testament to Rennes' resilience and determination. Their ability to come back from behind and score multiple goals highlighted their strong attacking capabilities. As they move forward, Rennes remains optimistic about their chances in the Europa League and look forward to continuing their successful campaign in Ligue 1.