Rennes held Udinese to a 0-0 draw in their Europa League Group I clash in France.
Udinese and Celtic to face off for last spot
Rennes held Udinese to a 0-0 draw in their UEFA Europa League Group I clash in France.
The visitors had the better chances and hit the post through Antonio Floro Flores in the early stages.
But they were unable to find a way past Rennes goalkeeper Benoit Costil as Rennes secured their third point in the group.
Floro Flores carried the early threat for the visitors, first heading over and then firing a right-footed effort against the upright from 12 yards.
John Boye's foul on Diego Fabbrini set up a free-kick which was headed over by Mehdi Benatia and Fabbrini himself then warmed the hands of home keeper Costil.
Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu fired wide 10 minutes before the interval, and Costil held another Fabbrini drive as a low-key half ended goalless.
Changes
Rennes attempted to change things around, introducing Georges Mandjeck for Boye at half-time and the skilful Jonathan Pitroipa for Yacine Brahimi 10 minutes later.
By that time, they had finally shown themselves as an attacking force when they won a corner and Stephane Dalmat's delivery was fired over by Youssouf Hadji.
Vincent Pajot was similarly off target before Udinese pressed again, Costil saving from Dusan Basta before Floro Flores shot wide.
Agyemang-Badu drew another save from Costil before Rennes responded and Pitroipa gave visiting keeper Samir Handanovic his first test. Mandjeck was unable to match his fellow substitute's effort, shooting wide from 12 yards.
And it was Udinese who came closer to a winner in the closing minutes, Kwadwo Asamoah shooting wide before Giampiero Pinzi's corner was headed goalwards by Agyemang-Badu. Costil saved again, though, to preserve a point.
The result left Udinese on eight points, three ahead of third-placed Celtic after the Scots lost 1-0 at home to Atletico Madrid tonight.
The two sides meet in the final round of group games in a fortnight's time, with the Glasgow side needing a win to qualify along with Atletico.
