Stalemate for Lyon

Bafetimbi Gomis returned for Lyon but could not inspire the home side to victory as they shared a goalless draw with Rennes.

Bafetimbi Gomis returned for Lyon but could not inspire the home side to victory as they shared a goalless draw with Rennes in Ligue 1. Gomis was heavily linked with a move to English Premier League side Newcastle in the recent window but it failed to materialise and he started at the Stade de Gerland. The France striker went the closest to winning the game for the hosts, his second-half shot hitting the bar and he was heavily involved. Lyon headed into the game having lost two consecutive matches after starting the season with two successive wins, while Rennes were a point ahead of their hosts. It was Rennes who showed first as an attacking outfit, Foued Kadir firing a low shot which Anthony Lopes deflected for a corner. However, Lyon gradually started to dominate and Gomis headed Alexandre Lacazette's cross inches over the bar at the near post. Gomis was then freed by Clement Grenier outside the penalty area, the striker escaping the attention of Sylvain Armand before unleashing a fierce shot which Benoit Costil punched clear. Costil was then called on when Grenier's drilled effort forced the goalkeeper to dive at full stretch and repel the ball. Rennes took their turn shortly before half-time. Nelson Oliveira was released by Vincent Pajot and after beating Maxime Gonalons, he unleashed a right-footed shot which Lopes blocked with difficulty. It was all Lyon in the second half. Lacazette's shot was cleared off the line by defender Romain Danze after Costil had been beaten. Fekir then found Gomis at the edge of the penalty area and the forward unleashed a snapshot which crashed on to the bar. Fekir was heavily involved and his corner found Gueida Fofana who in turn headed the ball on to Bakary Kone whose close-range shot went just wide.