Nacho Monreal scored an own goal to help Ligue 1 side, Stade Rennais secure a 3-1 victory against ten man Arsenal during their Europa League round of 16 first leg clash at Roazhon Park in France.
Rennes kicked off the game very well, but went behind just 3 minutes into the game after Super Eagles winger, Iwobi picked up the ball down the left, cutting in before curling a cross-shot towards the far corner, with the ball evading a crowd of players before clipping in off the upright.
Monreal with the credit as he played a neat pass to Iwobi down the right. But it was nothing more than a speculative effort by the winger.
4 minutes to end of first half, the Gunners were reduced to ten men as Sokratis received a RED CARD.
Just moments after bringing Ben Arfa down, Sokratis fails to keep up with Sarr, and could only pull back the Rennes winger, giving the referee no choice than to send the defender off the pitch.
After seeing his initial effort from the free-kick saved, Bourigeaud reacted sharply to thump in a thunder strike on the half volley to level the score 1-1.
It was looking comfortable for Arsenal but that crazy minute changed everything. Benjamin Bourigeaud’s goal sees them draw level.
Just 20 minutes into second half, the home side took the advantage. A powerful cross was hit in from the right, and Monreal was there at the spot to divert it past Cech at the near post to give Rennes a 2-1 lead.
With 2 minutes to stoppage time, Rennes hit the Gunner with a swift counter which sees Siliki whipping in a sublime first-time cross from the left, and his opposite winger Sarr was there to meet it with a bullet header that soar past Cech and into the back of the net.
Can the Gunners overturn such a heavy defeat when they meet the Ligue 1 side during the second leg at the Emirates as they hold on to their away goal?