In a thrilling finale to the D1 Arkema season, the Racing Club de Strasbourg secured their place in the top division with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Stade de Reims on May 7, 2025. The match, held at the Meinau stadium, was a do-or-die contest for both teams, with relegation looming for the loser.
From the outset, the stakes were high. Reims entered the match needing at least a draw to avoid dropping down to Division 2, while Strasbourg, just one point behind, required a win to secure their survival. The tension was palpable as the teams kicked off at 17:00, with fans on the edge of their seats.
Strasbourg took the lead in the 25th minute when Maeline Mendy found the back of the net after a brilliant one-two with Liana Joseph. Mendy’s goal sent the home crowd of 7,483 into a frenzy, as the team looked poised to avoid relegation. However, the match took a turn when Strasbourg's Elise Bonet was sent off with a second yellow card in the 55th minute, leaving the home side with ten players.
Despite being a player down, Strasbourg held their ground until the 72nd minute when Melissa Gomes equalized for Reims, bringing a wave of hope to the visitors. Gomes’ goal was a crucial moment, as it not only leveled the score but also put immense pressure on the Strasbourg players, who now faced the daunting task of holding onto their top-flight status.
As the clock ticked down, both teams fought fiercely. Reims, now buoyed by their equalizer, pressed forward in search of a winning goal, while Strasbourg aimed to regroup and maintain their lead in the standings. The tension escalated as the match entered stoppage time, with both teams knowing that one mistake could seal their fate.
In a twist of fate, Liana Joseph became the hero for Strasbourg. In the dying moments of the match, she scored a stunning goal in the 90th+6 minute, a beautifully placed shot that left Reims’ goalkeeper Manon Heil with no chance. The goal sent the Strasbourg bench into jubilation, as the players celebrated their hard-fought victory and the preservation of their top-tier status.
After the final whistle, the players embraced, knowing they had narrowly escaped relegation. Coach Vincent Nogueira praised his team’s resilience, stating, "We fought until the end, and that's what it takes to stay in this division. Every player contributed, and I couldn't be prouder."
For Reims, the defeat was a heartbreaking conclusion to a challenging season. Having finished fourth the previous year and competing in the playoffs, the fall from grace was sudden and painful. Coach Mathieu Rufié expressed his disappointment, saying, "We knew the stakes, and we fought hard, but it wasn't enough. We will learn from this and come back stronger."
The match encapsulated the drama of relegation battles in football, where fortunes can change in mere seconds. As the players left the field, the reality set in for Reims—they would be returning to Division 2 for the 2025-2026 season, a stark contrast to their aspirations just a year prior.
Strasbourg’s victory means they will remain in the D1 Arkema league, with hopes of improving their performance next season. They finished the season with only three wins, eight draws, and eleven defeats, but the determination shown in this final match gave fans something to celebrate.
As the dust settles on this dramatic encounter, both teams will look ahead to the future. For Strasbourg, the focus will now shift to building on this success, while Reims will need to regroup and strategize for their return to the second division. The world of women's football continues to evolve, and both clubs are eager to play their part in its growth.
