Season 1964/1965

After finishing the previous season in mid-table of the First Division, Stade Rennais would enjoy an exceptional season in 1964/1965, winning their first French Cup after an epic cup run. Under the stewardship of new manager Jean Prouff, the Red and Blacks would experience a minor revolution in their playing system, leaving behind the 3-2-5 formation of the previous seasons to move towards a 4-2-4 formation which would prove to be formidable. With the arrivals of international goalkeeper Lamia, and the clinical Rodighiero, Rennes had strengthened their squad intelligently. There wasn't much movement during the close season, but the choices which were made would prove to be vindicated. Indeed, after a sluggish start, and a disappointing first half of the season, Rennes would move up a gear in the return games, with the help of Rodighiero, who was on fire in attack, finishing second top-scorer in the First Division with 20 goals. Notably, though, it would be his 11 goals in the French Cup run which would stand out. With just four defeats in the second half of the season, Rennes would finish the season in fourth place, even flirting with the top spot for a few weeks, ending up with the best attack and eighth-ranked defence. They would also be the only team to beat the future champion Nantes twice (3-2 and 4-0) that season. It was to prove to be a memorable and outstanding season, with amazing crowd scenes after their historic first victory in the French Cup Final.