Olympique de Marseille (OM) produced a dominant performance in the French Cup to beat Stade Rennais 3-0 in the Round of 16, sending a clear message that their season is far from over.
The win, played in Marseille, came at a crucial time as OM needed a response after recent pressure and inconsistent results.
For Rennes, the defeat adds to a growing crisis, with the club now struggling badly in attack and showing little confidence in front of goal.
The result matters because it keeps Marseille’s trophy hopes alive, while Rennes face serious questions about their direction, form, and ability to compete in knockout football.
What happened in the French Cup OM match against Rennes?
Marseille started aggressively and took control almost immediately. OM scored inside the opening minutes, catching Rennes cold with a quick attacking move that exposed defensive gaps.
The second goal arrived soon after half-time, giving Marseille full control of the match. Rennes failed to respond, and OM continued to press with energy and purpose.
Marseille then added a third late goal, sealing a comfortable 3-0 win and avoiding any late drama.
Final score: French Cup OM – Marseille 3 Rennes 0
Marseille advance to the Coupe de France quarter-finals 🔵⚪️⏭️ pic.twitter.com/dvJyEjRZrz
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) February 3, 2026
The match never felt close. OM looked sharper, faster, and far more organised from the first whistle.
Why does this French Cup OM win matter for Marseille?
This victory gives OM more than just a place in the next round.
It provides:
- A major confidence boost after a difficult run of performances
- A strong statement to rivals still in the competition
- A realistic chance of silverware, which could define their season
The French Cup remains one of the most respected domestic trophies in Europe. For Marseille fans, winning it would mean everything, especially in a season where league consistency has not always been there.
This result also shows OM can still deliver when the pressure rises, something top clubs must do in knockout competitions.
How bad is Rennes’ current form and goal drought?
Rennes now looks like a club stuck in a worrying spiral.
They have lost three matches in a row without scoring, which is one of the clearest signs a team has lost its confidence and rhythm.
When a side stops scoring, it rarely stays just a “bad day” issue, it usually becomes a bigger tactical and psychological problem.
In this match, Rennes struggled to:
- create clear chances
- keep the ball under pressure
- break through Marseille’s defensive shape
- Respond after conceding early
Their attack looked blunt and predictable. Even when they reached the final third, they lacked sharp decision-making.
What went wrong for Rennes in this French Cup defeat?
Rennes suffered from a familiar problem seen in struggling teams: once they conceded early, their plan fell apart.
The first goal forced them to chase the game, but they lacked urgency and creativity. Marseille punished them with better movement and quicker passing.
Rennes also looked uncomfortable defensively, especially when OM attacked wide areas and moved the ball quickly.
The bigger concern is mentality. Rennes did not look like a side fighting to survive a knockout match. They looked like a team waiting for the final whistle.
Could Marseille now be serious French Cup contenders?
Yes — and this performance supports that.
In knockout football, form can change fast. A strong win like this often becomes a turning point, especially when a club has the squad depth and fan support that Marseille has.
OM also showed the key qualities needed to win cups:
- fast starts
- clinical finishing
- discipline in defence
- game management after taking the lead
If Marseille continues to play with this level of intensity, they will not fear any opponent in the next round.
What happens next for the French Cup OM and Rennes?
Marseille now move into the quarter-finals, keeping their cup dream alive and giving fans a reason to believe again.
Rennes, meanwhile, must regroup quickly. Another poor performance in the league could deepen the pressure on players and staff.
Their immediate focus will be on ending the goal drought, because without goals, confidence collapses, and results follow.
