Garde eyes Rennes scalp

Lyon coach Remi Garde has billed Sunday’s Ligue 1 match against Rennes as crucial to his side’s European aspirations.

Lyon currently sit fifth on the French table, one point behind Toulouse, and travel north knowing a win could propel them into the top four and a European berth.

“This game will be crucial,” Garde said.

“It is another final for us. We’ve had a few in the last weeks.”

Lyon have won all four of their games since bowing out of the Champions League to Cypriot side APOEL on penalties, claiming the scalp of Paris Saint-Germain in the French Cup quarter-final in the process.

Garde is expecting a tough challenge against Rennes, who came from a goal down to record a 2-1 victory when the teams last met and have the opportunity to complete their first league double over Lyon since 1966.

“I think that this team is unpredictable,” Garde said.

“They have many talented players in attack and gifted individuals.

“We will try to not let them develop their game as they did to us last time here in Lyon, but in a different way with our assets.”