Well-known Ukrainian journalist Artem Frankov shared his prediction for the match of the 3rd round of the Europa League group stage between French Rennes and Dynamo Kyiv, which will take place tomorrow in Rennes.
Artem Frankov“The history of the confrontation between Dynamo and Rennes is extremely simple: a few years ago, at exactly this stage, exactly in these rounds, the people of Kiev unexpectedly won Brittany 2:1 at first (remember the winning goal in the last minutes, organized by Krasnikov’s Che Che?), and then at home gave out almost their best game under Alexander Khatskevich, completely beating the northern French 3: 1 (and again the Brazilians were good - Sidkley made a real show of efficiency at the left-back position).
Again and again - this has nothing to do with current affairs, although even then, four years ago, Dynamo had serious problems. First of all, they were associated with the failure to qualify for the Champions League, which was a habit, and Rennes were playful and ambitious, but somehow immature.
The current team of Bruno Genesio, who is sixth in the national championship (15 points after nine rounds - 4-3-2, 17-9), makes, to be honest, a more solid and promising impression. Especially in light of the game that the recovered Arno Calimuendo showed in the last round in Strasbourg - a magnificent goal in the style of Didier Drogba (roundhouse kick) and two assists. However, it is worth noting that the result of the fight was largely determined due to the severity of the referee - when the center back of the hosts, Nyamsi, instead of the ball, kicked Burizho with his foot, this should not necessarily have led to a direct red card. And so the guests from Rennes also hit the frame twice, conceding only when the score was 3:0 in their favor from a penalty kick brought by the right back and captain Traore.
Dynamo at about the same time hung another question marks over their game, minimally overcoming Minai - 1:0 (Tsygankov on the fly). The people of Kiev again gave too many chances to not the most skillful opponent and again created too few themselves. Well, at least in the national championship there were victories, and even then bread. Now to press in European competitions...
Whatever one may say, the match in Rennes is the match of life for Dynamo — a defeat will practically deprive our guys of the chances of getting out of the group, leaving only the theoretical layouts of the Newcastle name Bobby Robson, as well as calculations for the Conference League. One can only hope that the pause for the national team has really benefited the team, which, in addition, will wake up, realizing the measure and depth of responsibility.
In the end, in the Europa League, Dynamo did not lose much, limiting themselves to minimal failures with numerous options - both in Istanbul with Fenerbahce (1: 2), and in Krakow with AEK (0: 1). Rennes, let me remind you, having won three labor points in Cyprus, frankly let go of the Turks at home, allowing them to recoup from 0:2. The defense of the Genesio team generally looks like the most vulnerable link, especially since Steve Mandanda in the frame is by no means getting younger. But whether the guests will be able to really load the opponent is the key question.
My bet on the Rennes-Dynamo match: both teams will score,” Frankov said.
