Rennes needed a Melvut Erding strike six minutes from time to claim all three points in their Ligue 1 opener at home to Reims.
The hosts went ahead after just nine minutes through Vincent Pajot, who made the most of fine approach play from Anders Agnes Konradsen out wide.
Reims then took control of the match and deservedly levelled on the stroke of half time when Grzegorz Krychowiak found the net with a composed strike.
Jonathan Pitroipa went close for the hosts after the break, while Mickael Tacalfred flashed wide at the other end as Reims continued to threaten on the counter.
With the match heading towards a draw, Erding produced a decisive moment, finding the corner on his 200th Ligue 1 appearance to earn Rennes all three points.
