Match Reports
Relegation Playoff: Metz, Reims Finish One-All Heading Into Return Leg
It was an even contest in the first half between the two sides with Reims recording nine total shots while Metz countered with eight, but it was the home side that broke the scoreless deadlock in the 38th minute.
After a short corner, Cheikh Sabaly headed the ball to the far post for his captain Matthieu Udol, who opened the scoring with a diving header that Yehvann Diouf couldn’t stop.
Metz went into halftime holding a one-goal advantage, but the visitors would respond once the second half was underway. Reims wasted little time finding the equalizer as they scored in the 52nd minute to erase the deficit.
Positioned on the right, Sergio Akieme curled in his free kick with his right foot, and Cédric Kipré's head slightly deflected it as the ball ended up in the side netting past Pape Sy. In the second half, Metz recorded four shots while Reims only had one as neither side could find the back of the net to break the one-all deadlock.
After the match, Reims manager Samba Diawara spoke about the result as his side takes the tie back home and will use their supporters to push them into a result that sees them stay in Ligue 1 McDonald's.
“We suffered, because we saw a good Metz side that wanted to push us to our limits in front of their home crowd. It’s unfortunate to concede a goal from a mistake on a set piece. We started with a game plan to play without Diakhon and Ito. We tried to improvise, but we saw it wasn’t working, so we switched back to a 4-2-3-1, which allowed us to press higher, push forward, and create a bit more danger even without many chances.”
“We have no choice but to go all out. It’s do or die! We have to get the better of this Metz team to stay in Ligue 1. Otherwise, we give up our place to our opponent—and that’s just not an option. We have players who are running on empty, and it’s their mindset that’s keeping them going. But for many of them, this is their first season playing at this level. There’s been a big emotional toll. That’s part of the learning process, and I’m sure it’ll serve them well—if we manage to stay up. It will help them take the next step and have a great career.”
Reims cannot fully focus on the second leg against Metz as they have to now turn their attention to facing Paris Saint-Germain in the Coupe de France final.
The Stat: 5
Following the draw against Metz, it marked Reims' fifth straight match without a victory as they have two draws and three losses during this span. They'll need to secure a win in the final 90 minutes next week to avoid dropping to Ligue 2 BKT next week.
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