Metz were left frustrated on Wednesday night as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Reims in the first leg of the Ligue 1 promotion/relegation play-off at the Stade Saint-Symphorien, despite dominating much of the match. The two sides will now face off in a decisive return leg at Stade Auguste-Delaune on Thursday, May 29 at 8:30 p.m., with Ligue 1 status still hanging in the balance.
Roared on by 27,500 home supporters, Metz began with intensity and nearly struck early through Jessy Deminguet, whose curling effort in the 15th minute narrowly missed the target. But Reims had their moments, most notably through Keito Nakamura, who squandered a golden opportunity to square to Ange Tia (11’) and then sent a powerful free kick just over the bar (29’).
Metz eventually capitalized on their dominance in the 38th minute. A corner—contentiously awarded after a deflection off Morgan Bokele’s knee—was worked short before a diminutive Lamine Sabaly (1.68 m) surprisingly out-jumped his marker and set up captain Matthieu Udol, who powered home a header to make it 1-0.
Reims manager Samba Diawara reacted with two halftime changes, and his side equalized just seven minutes after the restart. Defender Cédric Kipré rose to meet a curling free kick from Sergio Akieme, nodding it past Pape Sy to level the score in one of Reims’ few threatening moments of the match.
Metz pushed hard to regain their lead, with Bokele and Deminguet continuing to trouble the visitors’ defense. Yehvann Diouf stood firm in the Reims goal, notably denying Bokele in the 64th minute and later smothering another chance involving Deminguet.
After Bokele’s departure in the 75th minute, Metz’s momentum faded, and the home side ultimately failed to convert their dominance into a lead ahead of the return leg. Reims, meanwhile, will look to balance their priorities as they prepare to face PSG in Saturday’s Coupe de France final.
Player of the Match: Matthieu Udol
Metz captain Matthieu Udol was a tireless presence down the left flank, combining effectively with Bokele and leading by example. His header in the 38th minute gave the home side the lead, and his drive and leadership earned him man of the match honors—even if his efforts were not enough to secure victory.
With the tie finely poised and the “elevator” between Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 still undecided, all eyes now turn to Reims for the decisive second leg.
