French Ligue 1 side Stade de Reims have moved up to third place in the league table standings after defeating Montpellier HSC 1-0 in a league match that was played on the 19th of October 2019. The match was played at the newly renovated Stade Auguste Delaune II.
This was the third win in four games for the French Club based in the northeast of France. This was also the home side’s second victory in six games against the away team.
The match was a pretty even affair with not many clear-cut chances created by both sides. The home side had 12 shots on target as against the visiting sides 9 shots on goal. For corner kicks, the home side could only muster four against the away side’s 8.
The match started in flying fashion when David Guion’s men took an early lead in the second minute of the match when Reims Defender Yunis Abdelhamid finished off an assist from midfielder Mathieu Cafaro. However, that early goal proved to be the only highlight of the match as both sides canceled each other out.
This win moves the home side into the Champions League places but still 7 points adrift of league leaders Paris Saint-Germain FC who lead with 24 points.
Their next match will come up on the 26th of October against relegation battlers Nimes Olympique. Reims will be attempting to win their third consecutive game and also close the gap on champions PSG.
For Montpellier, the loss leaves them in the seventh position on 14 points. This was the away side’s second defeat in four games and will have to do more if they hope to challenge for a Champions League spot.
The visitors’ next match will come up on the 26th of October at home to Angers SCO. The 2011/ 2012 French League champions will be seeking a win to get them back on track after their recent yo-yo performances. Manager Michel der Zakarian will be looking for a positive reaction from his players when they take to the field of La Mosson next Saturday evening at 7 p.m.
Reims are 1.97 to get the win over Nimes, while Nimes are fancied at 4.23 to claim the victory.
Written by: Ayotunde Omolayole
