A second-half penalty has given Reims a hard-fought 1-0 win at home to Rennes in Ligue 1.

The hosts came close to taking the lead after just five minutes as Diego met the ball with a header which sailed harmlessly wide.

Rennes also proved to be a threat in the air as Abdoulaye Dacoure's header whistled past the post towards the end of a lifeless first half.

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Reims found the breakthrough just before the hour mark as the referee awarded a penalty for handball and Gaetan Charbonnier confidently put it away.

They almost doubled their lead late on, but Prince Oniangue's effort crashed against the crossbar.

Rennes failed to test the opposition keeper despite their pressure in the dying minutes, and Reims held on for the three points.