It was a moment of class, followed by a moment of farce, that ripped this tie out of the clutches of Arsenal, who lost their centre-back to a red card and then promptly lost control of their European destiny. The first-half dismissal of Sokratis Papastathopoulos left Unai Emery’s side swimming against a red tide in Rennes, forced to cling on in vain hope that the damage would not get even worse.

Benjamin Bourigeaud’s phenomenal strike, lasered into the top corner barely seconds after Sokratis had left the pitch, changed the dynamic of this last-16 encounter. The ferocity of the finish appeared to leave Arsenal in a daze and, against a side packed with energy and creativity, the visitors were soon locked in a state of seemingly permanent retreat.

It was an own goal of considerable misfortune, the ball spinning off Nacho Monreal’s hip and into the top corner, that gave Rennes the lead. But by the end, when the brilliant Ismaila Sarr headed home a deserved third, Arsenal could perhaps consider themselves fortunate that the French side were not out of sight. Alex Iwobi had put them in front in the opening moments, but the memories of that encouraging start had not lingered for long.

It all made for another chastening night in Europe for Arsenal, who also lost the first leg against Bate Borisov in the previous round. Once again Emery’s side will have to fight back in the return match, and on this evidence Rennes will prove to be worryingly dangerous opposition at the Emirates.

Arsenal will certainly have little chance if they are to lose another player through ill-discipline as early as the 41st minute. The red card shown to Sokratis was followed immediately by Bourigeaud’s missile, leaving Arsenal reeling from a classic double-whammy.