The chosen formation for this match is a 4-3-3. Benitez keeps the goal. The defense that held up against Lyon is renewed with Hérelle, Dante, and Danilo. Only Sarr replaces N’Soki on the left. In midfield, we have Khépren Thuram, Pierre Lees-Melou, and Alexis Claude-Maurice. Finally, in attack, Ganago occupies the left wing and Boudaoui the right wing, with Dolberg playing as the striker.
The start of the match is clearly in favor of the Reims team, who press hard on the Nice goals but are blocked by Benitez, who is as impressive as ever in goal. Meanwhile, the Nice team tries long balls to Dolberg, who often manages to keep possession with his back to the goal, but these balls are not exploited.
Reims faces two setbacks in the first half with successive injuries to Sierhuis and Cafaro.
At the end of this first half, the score is goalless, but there are chances for both teams. Europe is within reach for both sides, who are giving everything to try and secure victory.
The second half begins with the same tone as the first, with the Reims team dominating the proceedings.
However, against the run of play, it is the Nice team that scores first.
From a precise cross by Boudaoui, Lees-Melou finds himself alone at the penalty spot and has plenty of time to place a precise header that nestles into the right side netting of Rajkovic (50th minute).
Nonetheless, the Reims team is not discouraged by this opening goal and continues to push forward. Ultimately, the change in Nice’s formation (from 4-3-3 to 5-4-1) results in Stade de Reims equalizing. The goal is scored by Abdelhamid from a perfectly taken corner by Chavelerin (77th minute).
The match ends with a 1-1 scoreline, which does not benefit either team in the standings.
