Ligue 1: Strasbourg Edges Reims 1-0 to Extend Unbeaten Run

Strasbourg secures a 1-0 win over Reims, extending their unbeaten run and moving into fourth spot in Ligue 1.

RC Strasbourg Alsace secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over relegation-threatened Stade de Reims, extending their unbeaten run and solidifying their position in the top four. This marks their fifth consecutive Ligue 1 victory, bolstering their quest for UEFA Champions League qualification.

Ismael Doukoure's fourth-minute goal dampened Reims' celebratory mood after securing their Coupe de France final spot midweek. The unmarked defender scored his first goal since January 2023, meeting Sebastian Nanasi's inswinging corner and ending Strasbourg's six-game wait for a first-half goal. This early strike proved pivotal in securing the win for Strasbourg.

Strasbourg's Precarious Lead

Strasbourg's lead remained precarious as they came agonizingly close to scoring a second goal. Top scorer Emanuel Emegha diverted the ball against the upright from Dilane Bakwa's squared pass, a moment that could have sealed the win for the visitors. 

Le @RCSA prend la 4e place 🆕#SDRRCSA pic.twitter.com/3k3zDx23dT

— Ligue 1 McDonald's (@Ligue1) April 6, 2025

As the game neared its conclusion, Strasbourg failed to capitalize on a promising four-on-two situation, with substitute Sam Amo-Ameyaw's effort being blocked. Fortunately for the European hopefuls, their failure to score a second goal did not prove costly.

The match ended in controversy as Strasbourg's Diego Moreira and Reims' Mory Gbane were sent off for their involvement in a late melee. Despite this drama, Strasbourg held firm to secure a fourth consecutive away win without conceding. This victory keeps them in the hunt for a Champions League spot, while Reims' defeat sees them drop into the bottom three with just six games left to play in Ligue 1.

This win is significant for Strasbourg as they continue their quest for UEFA Champions League qualification. The team's performance demonstrates their determination to secure a top-four finish, and their unbeaten run is a testament to their growing strength in Ligue 1. Meanwhile, Reims' relegation battle intensifies, with their recent defeat adding pressure on the team to secure points in the remaining games.

The visitors thought they'd lost their slim lead when Junya Ito's powerful near-post shot beat Dorde Petrovic. However, referee Clement Turpin flagged a handball infringement, much to the visitors' relief. This controversy came just before Chelsea loanee Andrey Santos missed an incredible chance to score in his third consecutive game. Santos' far-post effort sailed into the side netting, leaving Liam Rosenior's team with a narrow one-goal lead at halftime.

Another Chelsea loanee, Petrovic, made a crucial intervention early in the second half. He stretched out his left leg to block Keito Nakamura's shot, moving the wrong way to his right. This impressive save showcased Petrovic's agility and reflexes, helping his team maintain their lead.

This match is part of Chelsea's growing involvement in French football, following their majority stake acquisition in Strasbourg in 2022. The deal, worth around €75 million, marked Chelsea's first foray into a multi-club model. This partnership aims to enhance Chelsea's youth setup and provide a platform for young players to gain experience, as seen with loanees like Andrey Santos and Dorde Petrovic.

Strasbourg came agonizingly close to doubling their lead when top scorer Emanuel Emegha diverted a shot against the upright, following a squared pass from Dilane Bakwa. As the match neared its conclusion, Strasbourg failed to capitalize on a promising four-on-two situation, with substitute Sam Amo-Ameyaw's effort being blocked. Fortunately for the European hopefuls, their inability to secure a second goal did not prove costly, as they held firm at the other end of the pitch to secure a fourth consecutive away win without conceding.

Late Drama and Consequences

The win was not without drama, as Strasbourg's Diego Moreira and Reims' Mory Gbane were sent off for their involvement in a late melee. Despite this, Liam Rosenior's team emerged victorious, keeping their Champions League dreams alive. In contrast, Reims' loss saw them drop into the bottom three with just six games remaining in Ligue 1, putting additional pressure on Samba Diawara's team to avoid relegation.