Esteban Lepaul dragged Stade Rennais back from the brink, his three goals rescuing a 3-3 draw against Galatasaray in a pre-season fixture that delivered plenty of entertainment and precious little defensive discipline.
The striker finished with a match rating of 9.3 after converting three of his four efforts on target, underlining the clinical edge that Rennes will need once competitive action returns. Lepaul fired eight shots in total, the volume and accuracy reflecting a forward willing to take responsibility when things get stretched.
Little rest for either backline
This was hardly the controlled dress rehearsal either coaching staff might have wanted. Six goals suggests both sides were either finding their rhythm going forward or still searching for it at the other end. Either way, Lepaul ensured Rennes would leave Istanbul with something to show, even if the result itself carries no weight beyond preparation and confidence.
Friendlies at this stage of the calendar often flatter to deceive, but a hat-trick from eight shots tells its own story. Lepaul now carries that sharpness into whatever comes next, and Rennes will hope the finishing stays this reliable when the stakes rise.