Brentford Win Pre-Season Friendly Against Rennes
Brentford have started their pre-season campaign on a high note, defeating Rennes 4-2 in an entertaining encounter at Roazhon Park. The Bees are now just two weeks away from their Premier League curtain-raiser against Tottenham Hotspur on 22 August.
Thiago Leads the Line
Thiago, who made his first appearance of pre-season following his late return to the group after representing Brazil at the World Cup, led the line for Brentford. The striker made a bright start, but was unable to bring the ball under control in the box.
Brentford Take the Lead
The Bees made a bright start in Brittany, with Jaidon Anthony spinning away from his man and releasing Mathias Jensen down the right. Jensen's low cross found Thiago in the box, but the striker was unable to bring the ball under control and Rennes cleared behind for a corner.
Brentford Double Their Lead
Brentford took the lead on 19 minutes, with Jensen whipping an in-swinging corner towards the back post, where Thiago rose highest to head beyond Kilian Belazzoug. Andrews' side doubled their lead nine minutes later, this time from a corner on the opposite side. Janelt curled the ball into the six-yard box and Pinnock powered his header home.
Rennes Pull a Goal Back
Rennes pulled a goal back less than 60 seconds after the restart, Szymański meeting the ball first time on the edge of the box and stroking his effort into the bottom corner. Brentford immediately restored their two-goal advantage. Callum Wilson, who replaced Thiago at the break, received the ball in the penalty area before sending a low delivery across the face of goal for Ouattara to turn home.
Wilson Scores Twice
Wilson then turned from provider to scorer two minutes later, his low strike arrowing across goal and into the far corner. Kelleher got down quickly to his right, getting a strong hand to Lepaul's strike to push the ball away. Brentford's keeper was called into action again when Lepaul's long-range effort took a wicked deflection off Aaron Hickey, but the Brentford goalkeeper adjusted quickly to make the save.
Rennes Score Their Second
Rennes scored their second goal on 71 minutes. Wilson initially headed clear a corner from the right, but Valentin Rongier was in the right place to volley home from close range. A thoroughly entertaining game finished with a flourish. Amadou Diallo got in behind the Brentford backline, but his tame effort from the left side of the box was comfortably held by Kelleher.
League Standing
Brentford are currently 9th in the Premier League, with 53 points from 38 games last season. They have scored 55 goals and conceded 52 this season, with a goal difference of +3. They are 32 points behind leaders Arsenal and have a recent form of 0W-3D-2L.
Next Fixture
Brentford's next fixture is against Hull City on 24 October, away from home.
Image Prompt
A photorealistic image of a Brentford player, likely a midfielder, with a clean white jersey and black shorts, running down the wing with the ball at his feet. The image is taken with a 85mm f/1.4 lens, with a shallow depth of field and floodlight rim light. The player's face is visible, with a determined expression, and the background is thrown out of focus.
