Troyes have been relegated from Ligue 1 courtesy of a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Rennes at Roazhon Park this afternoon.
Patrick Kisnorbo's side went into the match knowing that only a victory would be enough to potentially stave off the threat of relegation for at least one more week, although even that may not have been enough had other results gone against them.
However, a second-half collapse in which they conceded three goals in the space of nine minutes ended any hope of prolonging their stay in the top flight any longer.
Rennes, who themselves are pushing for a European finish this season, opened the scoring in unorthodox fashion when a corner hit Arthur Theate and looped into the net.
Amine Gouiri and Theate again both threatened to double the advantage either side of half time, but Troyes were still in the game until three quickfire goals from Rennes to put the game to bed.
Benjamin Bourigeaud began the blitz with Rennes' second of the afternoon after 65 minutes before Karl Toko Ekambi well and truly condemned Troyes to Ligue 2 football next season with two goals in the space of three minutes.
The Lyon loanee, who had only scored once in the league since joining the club in January, trebled that season tally for Rennes with a quickfire double, applying a simple finish for the first before a defensive error allowed him in for his second moments later.
Andreas Bruus almost pulled one back for Troyes shortly afterwards, but by that stage their fate had been sealed and it was Rennes who came closest to the fifth goal of the game when Gouiri struck the post late on.
While Troyes suffer relegation, the result sees Rennes move back up into fifth place, until at least Lille face Monaco this afternoon.
Barney Corkhill
