If Stade de Reims observers complained of boredom in previous years, this season they have been served by spectacular matches. However, the frustration was great, despite the great promises of play, as long as the victory was not at the end. He finally had to wait for the 5th day to witness a success in Reims this season. More than smiles, so it was relief seen at the final whistle on the face ofOscar Garcia, installed in the stands. It is that expelled in the middle of the second half, the Reims coach did not spend a most serene evening.
Starting off at a false pace, the fault of too much technical waste, the game settled down thanks to volunteers from Rémois. The Reims pressing offered many difficulties to the Angers midfielder and it was just a matter ofArber Zeneli, alone against the opposing goalkeeper, opened the scoring. Unhappy on this action, the Kosovar was happier a few moments later by scratching a ball in the middle and throwing perfectly Marshall Munetsi. The Reims midfielder, by deceiving Paul Bernardoni, put Reims on the right track. Especially since he was imitated just before the break by Junya Itoauthor of his second goal in two games.
Balogun reverses a badly embarked situation
The return from the locker room offered a completely different scenario. The entry of Sofiane Boufal transfigured Angers. And as the Rémois have the annoying habit of getting into trouble on their own, the Stade de Reims then experienced ten terrible minutes. First by conceding a penalty, then because of a damaging double fault by Jens Cajust which earned him a logical expulsion. The free kick that follows allows the Angevin equalizer.
While the demons of Clermont (2-0 then 2-4) returned, this time it was the entry of Folarin Balogun which changed the face of the game. On a good reaction from Reims, the English striker obtained a penalty which he converted himself. At ten against eleven, Reims resisted at the end of the match and ended up breathing when Balogun served Alexis Flips, who with a magnificent cross shot, ensured victory for his team. A difficult first success but which must serve as a trigger and launch the season. This will require discipline, otherwise there will be further disappointment. Whatever, the Reims leave the relegation zone and must now confirm on Sunday against Lens, at home.