Moussa Sow struck in the second minute as Rennes claimed victory against Lorient.

Rennes won a corner and although Asamoah Gyan's cross was met by goalkeeper Lionel Cappone at the near post, his attempted punched clearance was sent straight back past him and into the net by Sow.

The home side pushed for a second goal and had a chance in the 18th minute when Sylvain Marveaux dribbled past three defenders before being denied by Cappone.

They threatened again seven minutes later when Gyan released Alexander Tettey and his shot was deflected to Romain Danze whose header missed the target by inches.

Lorient had their first clear chance in the 37th minute when midfielder Pierre Ducasse saw his header skim the post.

They went even closer a minute before the break when Marama Vahirua deflected a corner into the path of Kevin Gameiro and his shot smashed against the woodwork.

Rennes midfielder Marveaux was heavily involved after the break and was central to the three big chances in the half.

In the 53rd minute he received the ball outside the penalty area and his shot from an angle went just inches wide.

Then, with barely 15 minutes remaining, Marveaux picked out Carlos Bocanegra with a corner and the American's powerful header clipped the post.

Marveaux then had the crossbar shaking in the 81st minute when his free-kick from the edge of the penalty area crashed against the goal frame.