Season 1966/1967

Rennes finished the previous season with a flourish, ending up in 6th place, and would start their ninth consecutive season in the First Division. There were few arrivals of note on the eve of the new league campaign, but the Red and Blacks had still managed to strengthen their squad in December 1966, with the arrivals of Takac and Mendosa in attack, compensating for the departures of Dubaële and Watteau during the close-season. Rennes has also lost two other key players during summer preceding the season, goalkeeper Lamia, and midfield wizard Loncle also moved on to pastures new. Rennes had a mediocre start to the season, winning just two of their first seven league fixtures, slipping rapidly into the relegation zone. Rennes eventually restored some pride, bouncing back up to 11th in the table a few weeks later, only to drop back to 18th after a run of four straight defeats. On 26th April 1967, the SRUC were finally in a position to play evening fixtures after floodlight pylons were installed at the stadium. The momentous occasion was marked by a match against Poland to inaugurate the new lights. Rennes shone, after that, in the league, suffering just four defeats in the last 17 matchdays. Rennes recovered to finish in 11th, boasting the 4th-best attack, whilst having only the 16th-ranked defence. Rodighiero would finish 3rd top scorer in the league with 20 goals. In the French Cup, Rennes enjoyed a good run, reaching the semi-finals, being only just beaten by FC Sochaux after a close run tie which went to a replay.