France, Jan. 28 -- Fittingly, a rumbustious Breton derby launched the second half of the Ligue 1 season with seventh-placed Lorient entertaining fifth-placed Rennes at the Stade du Moustoir.

Rennes went into the encounter buoyed by their 1-0 win on 15 January over pacesetters Paris Saint-Germain while Lorient were licking their wounds from a 3-1 pummelling at Marseille.

Montassar Talbi opened the scoring for the hosts in the 14th minute. The defender headed home Enzo Le Fee's corner from the right.

And just after the half hour mark, Theo Le Bris doubled the advantage.Flavien Tait halved the deficit 16 minutes from time but Lorient held on for the local bragging rights.

The victory brought Lorient to within two points of their neighbou...