Emotional win for Sochaux

Cedric Bakumbu scored twice as Sochaux claimed a much-needed 2-1 victory over Rennes.

Sochaux secured an emotional first win for coach Herve Renard more than two months into his reign to revive hopes that they can dig themselves out of trouble in the second half of the Ligue 1 season. Renard, who took over the club in early October, had only seen them earn three points from his first nine games but they doubled that tally on Saturday after Cedric Bakumbu netted a 71st minute winner to see off Rennes 2-1. Bakumbu had given the hosts the lead from the penalty spot in the 17th minute but Romain Alessandrini had levelled with another spot-kick four minutes before the break. The win lifts Sochaux off the foot of the table although it is unlikely Renard will be getting carried away as they go into the winter break still six points from safety. Bakumbu looked up for this game from the start, with the 22-year-old having the first chance when picked out by Thierry Doubai in the area, his low left-footed shot bringing a decent save from Benoit Costil. The academy product then stepped up when Roy Contout was fouled in the area by Jean Kana Biyik, his shot into the left side of the net out of the reach of Costil. Pierrick Cros had already made one save to deny Alessandrini but he made an even better one to preserve his side's lead in the 25th minute, showing great reflexes to keep out a fizzing drive. However, there was nothing he could do about Alessandrini's penalty after Mathieu Peybernes had fouled Nelson Oliveira. Rennes enjoyed much the better of the play at the start of the second half, with Romain Danze heading just wide from Alessandrini's cross before Cros made fine saves to deny Alessandrini and Wesley Said. It was against the run of play that Bakumbu restored Sochaux's lead, combining with Vincent Nogueira to break through the defence before slotting home, but once they had their noses back in front the hosts shut down the game and secured only their second win of the campaign.