Stade Rennes 2 - 0 AJ Auxerre

Stade Rennes 2-0 AJ Auxerre

Updated: March 8, 2009, 6:58 PM UK

Bocanegra returned from suspension to net after eight minutes and Briand scored a second 10 minutes before half-time as Rennes recorded a third win in four Ligue 1 matches to climb to sixth place.

Auxerre, meanwhile, saw their five-match unbeaten run come to an end and slipped to 12th in the standings.

Rennes overcame a mini-wobble earlier in the season and were unbeaten in their last three matches going into the match.

They were unlucky not to take three points from their visit to league leaders Lyon last weekend, that match finishing 1-1.

But they made a strong start against Auxerre, taking the lead early on when Bocanegra headed in Mickael Pagis' cross.

Thomas Kahlenberg then combined with Ireneusz Jelen for Auxerre, but the latter's shot narrowly missed the target.

Rennes claimed a second after Romain Danz released Pagis, who hit a cross on the volley for Briand to net a stunning shot with the inside of his right boot.

Rennes continued to create in the second half, with Olivier Sorin forced to save from Pagis before Danz shot off target.

Auxerre almost pulled one back when Kamel Cahfni ran down the right and Rennes defender Stephane Mbia failed to deal with it.

However, goalkeeper Nicolas Douchez saved Mbia's blushes by saving from Kahlenberg.

Kahlenberg again failed to find the net late on when his left-foot volley from 10 yards was blocked by defender Petter Hansson as Rennes kept a clean sheet and extended their unbeaten run.