This is a lesser evil for the Stade de Reims. With the point of the draw dearly acquired in Strasbourg, the Reims club has thus opened its points counter in the Ligue 1 classification and can finally start its season with real hopes for the future. Because the performance achieved in Alsace certainly deserved more than one point this Sunday. From the first minutes, moreover, Oscar Garcia’s protégés showed their intentions in a match without an observation round as the pace was high. If the first shot was from Strasbourg, the first real chances were from Reims. But Folarin Balogun, one of the great discoveries of this start to the season, saw his first goal disallowed for offside. And his next combination, in one-two, with Bradley Locko, did not allow the young side to have more success.
During a half, the situations were not lacking and the scenario was too often the same. Strasbourg held the ball sterile and Reims took advantage of high recoveries to project themselves. But efficiency was still lacking. And mistakes are paid for in cash. In stoppage time, Reims gave in once again on a set piece. Alexander Djiku was the only one to follow a deflection on a corner and deceived Patrick Pentz.
The good Ito and Balogun pickaxes
Pointed out for their mental weakness against Clermont, the Stade de Reims did not disunite despite the headwinds. Carried by its duo Ito – Balogun, the Rémois continue their efforts. Before the hour mark, the second center for the first whose diving header forced Sels to a good save. Lacking in realism, the Rémois had to face a few defensive fears. But this time, the defense held firm. Better, the Rémois would finally be rewarded for their efforts. After a good job, Arber Zeneli crosses for Junya Ito. The Japanese is too short but Alexis Flips follows the action well and his center back finds a Balogun who, successfully, resumes victoriously. The reward makes sense. She may even offer some regrets about the end result. Whatever, here is the Stade de Reims which is finally moving forward in terms of accounts, and one with promising content. And in this game, even Lyon, expected at Delaune next week, should not claim victory too quickly.
–
–
–
coming
–