In a tense Ligue 2 fixture at Stade Gabriel Montpied, Reims managed to edge out Clermont Foot with a 1-0 victory, thanks to Mohamed Daramy's decisive strike in the 84th minute. The match, marred by a series of cards, saw both teams reduced to ten men after early red cards for Reims' S. Kotto and Clermont's E. Cantero, setting the stage for a gritty battle.
Early Setbacks and Defensive Resilience
The first half was characterized by a flurry of disciplinary actions. Reims' M. Gbane was booked just seven minutes in, and shortly after, Kotto was sent off in the 24th minute. Clermont's response was nearly immediate as Cantero received his marching orders, leaving both sides scrambling to adjust.
Decisive Substitutions and Daramy's Impact
As the second half unfolded, Reims made strategic substitutions that eventually paid off. T. Diarra came on right after halftime to stabilize the midfield, but it was Daramy who made the difference. Assisted by Theo Leoni, Daramy found the back of the net in the 84th minute, executing a well-timed finish that Clermont's defense couldn't thwart.
A Match Defined by Tactical Patience
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Reims maintained 54% possession and outshot Clermont, registering six shots on goal compared to the home side's one. Clermont's goalkeeper, Théo Guivarch, was kept busy with five saves, yet it was Reims' precise passing and patient build-up that ultimately opened the door for their victory.
Looking Ahead
For Clermont, the defeat ends a series of positive results, putting a dent in their recent momentum. Reims, on the other hand, will be buoyed by this hard-fought win, looking to build on their form as they strive to climb the Ligue 2 table. Both teams will need to address their disciplinary issues moving forward, as maintaining composure could be key to their upcoming fixtures.
