Pressure has increased on Rennes coach Julien Stephan after a 2-1 home loss to Nice in the French league on Friday made it three defeats in a row.
Rennes could have bounced up to fifth with a win but are mired in eighth after their eighth defeat.
Having been among the frontrunners this season, Rennes have not won now since mid-January.
The strain is showing on Rennes, with technical director Florian Maurice shouting at the referee in the tunnel during the interval after his side was not awarded a penalty late in the first half.
Following their win, on the back of three losses, Nice moved up to 12th.
Forward Amine Gouiri put Nice ahead from the penalty spot in the 18th minute but winger Martin Terrier equalised late in the first half.
Gouiri then showed good skill to curl in a free kick from the right which Austrian defender Flavius Daniliuc met with a glancing header to make it 2-1 in the 57th.
Rennes midfielder Benjamin Bourigeaud looked like equalising late but his goal-bound shot hit the back of a teammate near the line.
On Saturday, defending champion Paris Saint-Germain, who are third, travel to face last-placed Dijon.
Australian Associated Press
