Stade Brestois Still Depleted for Rennes Derby Despite Key Returns

Stade Brestois enters the Breton derby against Stade Rennais on April 4, 2026, with a mixed squad report. Despite the return of key players Ludovic Ajorque and Brendan Chardonnet from suspension, the team remains depleted ahead of the fixture.

The match is scheduled to take place at Stade Francis-Le Blé in Brest, with a start time of 17:00 UTC.

Squad Availability and Returns

The return of Ludovic Ajorque and Brendan Chardonnet provides a significant boost to the Stade Brestois lineup. Ajorque, a key offensive threat, and Chardonnet, a defensive mainstay, were previously unavailable due to suspensions.

However, the squad is not yet at full strength. Reports indicate that Stade Brestois will continue to be diminished for the derby, as other players remain unavailable for selection.

Recent Form and Performance

Stade Brestois comes into this encounter following a strong performance in their previous Breton derby on February 7, 2026. In that match, Brest secured a 2-0 home victory over FC Lorient at Stade Francis-Le Blé, effectively ending Lorient’s 12-match unbeaten run.

The victory on February 7, 2026, was marked by second-half goals from Rémy Labeau Lascary and Ludovic Ajorque. Labeau Lascary scored on a rebound following a delivery from Kenny Lala that was parried by goalkeeper Yvon Mvogo. In the 77th minute, Ludovic Ajorque sealed the win by finishing from close range after Eric Dina Ebimbe cut the ball back into the box.

That match also served as a milestone for Brest head coach Eric Roy, who celebrated his 200th match on the bench. During the game, goalkeeper Grégoire Coudert maintained a clean sheet, including a late VAR review that ruled out a potential goal for Lorient’s Meïté due to a foul on Coudert.

Historical Context of the Breton Derby

The rivalry between Stade Brestois and Stade Rennais has seen several high-scoring and high-stakes encounters in recent years. On April 28, 2024, Stade Brestois secured a victory in a nine-goal thriller against Rennes, a result that helped the club secure UEFA European football for the following season.

The April 28, 2024, match ended a 10-match winless head-to-head streak for Brest that had spanned 37 years. In that game, Arnaud Kalimuendo scored twice in the first nine minutes for Rennes. Brest responded with a goal from Steve Mounie, followed by an own goal from Warmed Omari, a diving header from Martin Satriano, and a 20-yard volley from Mahdi Camara.

Brest has also found success away from home at Roazhon Park. In a previous encounter at the stadium, Hugo Magnetti opened the scoring in the 27th minute with a low strike from the edge of the box. Ludovic Ajorque later doubled the lead in the 73rd minute, finishing a cross from Sima after a mistaken clearance by goalkeeper Brice Samba. Although Ludovic Blas scored for Rennes to reduce the deficit, Brest maintained their lead to win the match.

As the two teams meet again on April 4, 2026, Stade Brestois will look to leverage their home advantage at Stade Francis-Le Blé and the return of Ajorque and Chardonnet to overcome their remaining personnel shortages.