PARIS, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Rennes moved back to first in Ligue 1 with an impressive 3-0 win at Saint-Etienne on Saturday, while last year's runner-up Marseille needed a late equalizer to snatch a point at home against Metz.
New arrival Nayef Aguerd's goal after 33 minutes put Rennes in front. Serhou Guirassy scored a brilliant volley set up by winger Romain Del Castillo in the 52nd minute to extend Rennes' lead, before Adrien Hunou added the third in the closing period with a superb lob.
Rennes, who finished third in the curtailed 2019-20 season, is set to make its maiden appearance in the Champions League group stage this season.
The win also saw the team from northwest France climb to the top of the table, two points clear of second-placed Lille.
Also on Saturday, Andre Villas-Boas' Marseille, still struggling for a win, was held by Metz 1-1 at home.
Ibrahima Niane scored in the 71st minute to give Metz the lead, but midfielder Morgan Sanson's goal in stoppage time saved the game for the hosts.
Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain will travel to play Stade Reims on Sunday, with both Neymar and Kylian Mbappe available for Thomas Tuchel's side for the first time this season. Enditem
