Krasnodar will play in the Europa League next year after overcoming Rennes 1-0 in Russia. The match was relatively evenly balanced, with the home side creating perhaps the better chances before Marcus Berg bullied his way clear in the second half to fire the only goal of the game.

This did not prove to be a high-quality encounter, with stodgy midfield play the order of the day from both teams. There was a lack of imagination and, ultimately, quality.

If Krasnodar started the better of the two, Rennes came into the half in its middle portion before drifting out of it again. The guests, though, could claim they had been denied what appeared a clear penalty.

In terms of clear efforts on goal, by the break neither goalkeeper had been particularly extended, with the defences firmly on top.

Rennes needed to push for a goal to have matters in their own hands in matchday six and they pushed on with the intent to score after the break. Their midfielders, including Eduardo Camavinga, were a disappointing, though.

Berg’s physique was the outstanding aspect of Krasnodar’s play and it was the big Swede who made the game’s decisive play as he bullied Damien Da Silva out of a simple long ball then finished coolly.

This was a tight game that was decided by a single, simple action. Such moments have constantly caught Rennes out in the Champions League and that is why they are destined to finish bottom of the group. Krasnodar, however, will return to Europe in the spring.