In Brittany, a region traditionally rebellious towards France's central government, one of Ligue 1's most successful clubs has been thriving for years. Rennes, representing the regional capital of an area steeped in separatist sentiment, are the product of painstaking, practical work.
Now second in a league where Paris Saint-Germain operate with vastly greater financial resources, the team are enjoying a season in which they want to make the final push towards the top.
After beating Strasbourg 3-0 last week, Franck Haise's side must now face Nice on Friday to hold on to second place. It is an important test for a club that have already shown their quality, not just this season but over the past few campaigns.
At the Allianz Riviera, Les Rouge et Noirs will be expected not only to win, leapfrog the Parisians at the top and put pressure on them, but also to underline their status as the league's best attacking side.
The Bretons have scored 18 goals in the first eight games of the season, seven of them by Esteban Lepaul, with last season's top scorer continuing to find the net regularly.
Alongside him in attack this year is Boulaye Dia, who returned to his homeland after five years away and has scored in the last two games, against Juventus and Strasbourg.
Read our exclusive interview with Boulaye Dia here!
Project, passion and peace
The club's sustained development in recent years has been reflected in their results. Looking at the past few seasons, aside from Lille's breakthrough - they were crowned French champions in 2021 - and Lens's Champions League appearances, Rennes stand out as the most consistent club outside of PSG.
Although the Red and Blacks have played in the Champions League only once, in 2020/21, they have maintained a high standard, finishing fourth twice and, above all, following a clear long-term trajectory.
Behind that long-term vision is the Pinault family, owners of luxury giant Kering and the longest-standing owners in Ligue 1, having controlled the club since 1998. This has given Rennes targeted investment, state-of-the-art facilities, an absence of boardroom turmoil and sound managerial autonomy.
Every Sunday, it is all reinforced by the magnificent atmosphere at Roazhon Park, a municipal stadium used exclusively by the club. The ground brims with passion, and finding a ticket is as difficult as it is at the Bombonera, the legendary home of Boca Juniors.
It is in this facility, renovated in 2004, that Haise is shaping his footballing creation. His aim remains to promote harmonious, entertaining football for supporters who pay to spend even cold, windy winter nights in the stands - a familiar experience locally.
At its foundation, however, is always the work on the training pitch, now embodied by the brand-new Centre de Vie, which spans 15 hectares and includes around 9,000 square metres of state-of-the-art facilities.
From Dembele to Doue and beyond
It is no coincidence that Rennes are recognised as having one of the best youth academies in the world.
According to the latest CIES Football Observatory report, the Breton club remain among the international leaders for the total number of players developed at the club who are active in the elite professional leagues of Europe's top five competitions. With 28 players spread across the continent's leading leagues, Rennes rank among Europe's finest academies.
Among them are Eduardo Camavinga, Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue, generational talents who have enhanced the reputation of the club and all triumphed in the Champions League.
There is currently no young prospect in sight who appears ready to follow the same path as those talents. Even so, Rennes stand out as a united, mature club ready to challenge PSG's absolute dominance in France.
And there is more. In the Europa League, Rennes, now sitting mid-table, came close to beating Juventus at home and know they can make their mark in a competition with few clear favourites and plenty of potential for surprises.
In the next round, Haise's men will host leaders Olympiacos. It will be a serious test of their true potential beyond France's borders.