Reims End Slump with Triumph Over Strasbourg
After two consecutive defeats and capitalizing on Strasbourg's vulnerability, Reims bounced back to victory at the Auguste Delaune Stadium (2-1), ending their Ligue 1 slump in the fourteenth matchday opener on Friday.
Danish player Mohamed Daramy played a pivotal role in the triumph under the guidance of Belgian coach Will Still. He contributed to both goals, lifting the team in the standings and securing a spot in the European zone.
His cross at the tenth minute set up Moroccan Amir Richardson to beat Matz Sels and give the home team the lead.
Reims sealed the deal just before halftime when a long ball from Maxime Busi triggered a sprint from Daramy, who faced Strasbourg's goalkeeper in a one-on-one. Although Lucas Perrin deflected Daramy's shot, he inadvertently sent the ball into his own net.
Strasbourg lacked precision until the final stretch. In the 86th minute, a foul committed by Thibault de Smet on Brazilian Angelo inside the box led to a penalty, converted by Kevin Gameiro, providing a lifeline for the visitors in the closing moments.
Nevertheless, Reims secured the victory, placing fifth in the standings led by Paris Saint-Germain, while Strasbourg risks ending the day in the relegation zone.