In a stunning turn of events, Reims triumphed over Lens with a decisive 2-0 victory in the 29th round of Ligue 1 on April 11, 2025. This marks the first time in 48 years that Lens has lost to Reims in the league, with their last defeat dating back to 1977.
Keito Nakamura was the star of the match, netting both goals for Reims, first in the 33rd minute and again in the 88th minute. Nakamura's first goal came after a swift attack that caught the Lens defense off guard. Receiving a precise pass inside the penalty area, he displayed remarkable composure to slot the ball past the Lens goalkeeper, Matthew Ryan.
Despite Lens's aggressive response in the second half, which saw them unleash a remarkable 23 attempts on goal, they were unable to convert any chances into points. The home side, known as the "red-gold," seemed determined to turn the tide but found themselves thwarted at every turn by a resolute Reims defense.
As the match progressed, Lens's desperation grew. They pushed forward in search of an equalizer, but missed opportunities plagued their efforts. Strikers Abdulay Juma Bah and Kyllian Antonio both squandered clear chances, leaving the home fans in disbelief.
In the dying moments of the game, Nakamura struck again, sealing the victory for Reims on a counterattack that left the Lens defense scrambling. His second goal not only solidified Reims's lead but also highlighted the vulnerabilities in Lens's strategy as they pushed for goals.
Following this match, Lens now sits in ninth place in the Ligue 1 standings with 42 points, while Reims climbs to 14th with 29 points. The defeat is a significant setback for Lens, who were hoping to secure a place in European competition next season.
Lens's coach, Franck Haise, expressed disappointment in his team's performance, stating, "We had our chances, but we just couldn't find the back of the net. We need to be more clinical in front of goal if we want to achieve our goals this season." His sentiments reflect the frustration felt by both players and fans alike.
On the other hand, Reims's coach, Will Still, praised his team's resilience and tactical execution. "We came here with a plan, and the players executed it perfectly. Keito's performance was outstanding, and it's great to see the team getting the results we deserve," he remarked.
This match not only highlights the competitive nature of Ligue 1 but also serves as a wake-up call for Lens as they navigate the remainder of the season. With only a handful of matches left, every point will be crucial for their aspirations of European football.
As the season progresses, Lens must regroup and reassess their strategy if they hope to bounce back from this defeat. The pressure is on as they prepare for their next encounter, and fans will be eager to see how the team responds to this setback.
Meanwhile, Reims will look to build on this momentum as they aim to climb further up the table. With Nakamura in fine form, they could prove to be a formidable opponent in the coming weeks.
The excitement of Ligue 1 continues, and as teams vie for points, every match becomes a battle for survival and glory. Fans will be watching closely as the drama unfolds in the weeks ahead.
