Angers SCO is set to host Stade de Reims at the Stade Raymond Kopa for the quarter-finals of the Coupe de France on February 25, 2025. This clash between two Ligue 1 teams will determine who advances to the semi-finals and is one of the most anticipated matchups of the tournament.
Stade de Reims, managed by Samba Diawara, will be without key defender Cedric Kipré, who is serving a suspension following his red card against Stade Rennais. Joining him on the sidelines is Ibrahim Hafiz Umar, also suspended. Teddy Teuma will captain Reims as they attempt to push forward without some of their top defenders. Meanwhile, Angers aims for continuity following their recent performance, hoping to capitalize on Reims’ struggles this season.
The Stadium Raymond Kopa will be buzzing as fans anticipate what is sure to be a thrilling encounter. Reims stands at 15th place on the Ligue 1 table with only 22 points from 23 matches, which includes five wins, seven draws, and eleven losses. On the other hand, Angers holds 12th place with 27 points from the same number of matches, with seven wins, six draws, and ten defeats. Recent performances show Angers coming off of a 3-3 draw against AS Saint-Étienne, demonstrating their attacking capabilities, albeit with defensive vulnerabilities.
Previously, these two clubs met just prior to this cup match, where Angers narrowly defeated Reims 1-0. The history between these two teams has been competitive, with Angers winning seven times, Reims eight, and the remaining nine encounters resulting in draws across their last 24 matches. Interestingly, many of these encounters have ended without any goals, frequently resulting in 0-0 draws.
Angers' top scorer, Estéban Lepaul, will miss the game due to injury, which may impact their attacking strategy. This opens the door for Ibrahima Niane and Bamba Dieng to prove their worth as they vie for the key striker position. The potential defensive lineup for Angers may include Melvin Zinga as goalkeeper, supported by Jacques Ekomié, Jordan Lefort, Emmanuel Biumla, and Lilian Raolisoa. The midfield will likely feature Yassin Belkhdim and Jean-Eudes Aholou, with promising talents like Farid El Melali, Himad Abdelli, and Jim Allevinah providing support to their strikers.
Reims is aiming to break their streak of disappointing performances, as they've registered only one win across their last five matches and have struggled to score goals consistently, finding the back of the net only three times. Their offensive woes highlight the need for improvement, especially with the upcoming match against Angers. The attacking lineup will seek to include Mamadou Diakhon, crafting opportunities alongside Kimoto Nakamura and their captain, Teddy Teuma. It’s noteworthy to mention their recent matches, with Reims finding it difficult to score not just against Angers, but across all competitions for most of the previous month.
Historically, the odds may favor Angers, especially at home where they have capitalized on past performances against Reims. They have shown efficacy when leading, as they win approximately 71% of the time when leading 1-0 at home games. Given Reims’s current form and their struggles, Angers semble to have the upper hand. Predictions around this matchup lean heavily toward Angers securing victory, particularly as they seek their first semi-final appearance since the 2016-17 season.
With both teams aware of the significance of the cup stage, heightened emotions surrounding the match are inevitable. Angers has reached the quarter-finals for the second time since 2016-17 and aims to leverage their home advantage effectively. The tactical decisions made by coaches and the execution by players will be pivotal as both teams look to build momentum heading toward their league endeavors.
Kickoff is scheduled for 21:00 local time, and though it may not be telecasted for all audiences, both sets of fans will be eagerly watching, hoping their side can secure what it takes to progress to the next round. This intriguing matchup promises not just to showcase skill and strategy but also the determination and spirit of competition inherent in France's prestigious Cup competition.
With the backdrop of domestic and cup obligations, both clubs have everything to play for. It’s time for Angers SCO and Stade de Reims to realize their aspirations—who will emerge victorious and advance closer to the coveted title of Coupe de France champions?