In a crucial Ligue 1 clash on May 10, 2025, AS Saint-Étienne secured a vital 2-0 victory against Stade de Reims at the Stade Auguste Delaune. This win marks Saint-Étienne's second away triumph of the season, bringing them within one point of the relegation playoff spot currently held by HAC. Meanwhile, Reims' struggles continue as they remain just two points above the relegation zone, facing an anxious final match against Lille next week.
The match started in a frenzy, with Saint-Étienne taking an early lead just three minutes into the game. Florian Tardieu capitalized on a deflected clearance from Reims' Joseph Okumu, striking a brilliant shot from the edge of the box that found the top corner of the net, leaving Reims goalkeeper Yevhann Diouf with no chance (0-1).
Saint-Étienne's momentum did not stop there. They continued to dominate the first half, demonstrating a sharpness that Reims struggled to match. Despite a few promising moments for the home side, including a close-range effort from Martial Tia that was expertly saved by Saint-Étienne's goalkeeper Gautier Larsonneur, Reims failed to convert their chances.
As the first half drew to a close, Saint-Étienne struck again. In the 42nd minute, Tardieu turned provider, setting up Irvin Cardona, who seized on a rebound after Diouf parried a shot from Wadji. Cardona made no mistake, doubling the lead for the visitors (0-2).
Reims, frustrated by their poor first half, made tactical changes at halftime, introducing Junya Ito and Nhoa Sangui in hopes of turning the tide. The substitutions seemed to invigorate the team as they started the second half with more urgency. Just a minute after the restart, Jordan Siebatcheu came close to pulling one back, hitting the post with a well-placed shot.
Despite their newfound energy, Reims struggled to break down a resolute Saint-Étienne defense. The visitors, led by a disciplined performance, effectively neutralized Reims’ attacking threats and maintained their two-goal advantage. The home side's attempts to mount a comeback faltered as they were unable to convert several key opportunities.
As the clock wound down, the tension in the stadium heightened, with Reims pushing forward desperately in search of a goal. However, Saint-Étienne’s defense held firm, with Larsonneur making crucial saves to keep the clean sheet intact. The match ended 2-0 in favor of Saint-Étienne, a result that reignited their hopes of avoiding relegation.
The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, with 18,630 fans in attendance, but the home supporters left disappointed as their team failed to secure a much-needed victory. Reims’ coach Samba Diawara expressed his frustration post-match, noting, “We started poorly and couldn’t recover. We had chances, but we didn’t take them.”
On the other hand, Saint-Étienne's manager Eirik Horneland praised his team's performance, stating, “We played with determination and took our chances when they came. This win is crucial for our survival in Ligue 1.”
With this result, Saint-Étienne moves closer to escaping the relegation battle, now just two points behind HAC. They will face Toulouse in their final match, hoping for a favorable outcome to secure their place in the top tier of French football.
As for Stade de Reims, the pressure is mounting. They must now prepare for an away clash against Lille, where a draw may be enough to ensure their survival, but anything less could see them plunged into the relegation playoff. The stakes couldn’t be higher as the season reaches its climax.
With the final whistle, both teams have much to ponder as they head into the last week of the season. For Saint-Étienne, there’s a renewed sense of hope, while Reims faces an uphill battle to maintain their Ligue 1 status.
