Reims 0-1 Strasbourg: Le Racing dreaming of Champions League football

PLAYER RATINGS | Reims 0-1 Strasbourg: Le Racing dreaming of Champions League football
Ligue 1 McDonald's, Round 28, 06/04/25
RC Strasbourg Alsace were propelled up the table by Ismaël Doukouré's first-half strike, leaping from seventh to fourth as they defeated Stade de Reims 1-0 at the Stade Auguste-Delaune. It was enough for the visitors to take hold of a Champions League spot with only six games left to play.
The Match
Strasbourg raced to an early lead when Ismaël Doukouré was left undefended to tap in Sebastian Nanasi's corner in the fourth minute. It was the centre-back's first goal of the season (and his first since 2023).
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Le Racing kept up the pressure, with Brighton & Hove Albion loanee Valentín Barco pulling the strings from midfield. The full-back repurposed as a midfielder in Habib Diarra's absence orchestrated incisive attacks that his teammates were unable to capitalise on.
Just as the Strasbourg travelling support ended their silent protest at their owners at the 15-minute mark, Reims began to show signs of life. Junya Ito began to exert some influence pinging crosses towards Keito Nakamura and Hafiz Ibrahim, and also found the back of the net.
However, the Japanese international would see his goal ruled off for a handball in the build-up. Much to the dismay of the Reims support, who might protest that the ball had in fact touched Mamadou Sarr's arm first.
Strasbourg threatened without finding the net in what was proving to be a comfortable first half in the Champagne province. Dilane Bakwa came the closest when Strasbourg pounced on Reims's attempt to play out from the back, but his shot was too cute and was swallowed up by Yehvann Diouf.
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Reims arrived with far more threat in the second half and should have found an equaliser when a terrible clearance from Sarr fell to Nakamura. The winger's shot was hit with venom, but a sure goal was denied by a brilliant stop from Djordje Petrovic.
Down the other end, Dilane Bakwa was close to finding his 9th assist of the campaign when his cross found Emanuel Emegha at the back post. However, the Dutch striker could only hit the woodwork in what was proving to be a frustrating afternoon for the forward.
Strasbourg had the better chances across the game, but they struggled to find a way to extend their lead as the latter stages of the match proved a frustrating experience as Reims seemed to smother each opportunity from threatening Diouf.
Irritation continued to build and eventually tempers flared late into the game with the Strasbourg and Reims players having to be pulled apart from a melee after Ito took revenge on a shove from Barco, pushing the Argentine to the ground. After the fray ended, Mory Gbane and Diego Moreira were both sent off. Not that it truly mattered, the game ended a minute after and the blue shirts sprinted to celebrate with the away section.
Strasbourg player ratings
Djordje Petrovic – 6
Ismaël Doukouré – 7
Mamadou Sarr – 5
Abakar Sylla – 7
Diego Moreira – 6
Valentín Barco – 7
An excellent start to the game. It looked as if he would be one of the key players as Strasbourg's attacks flowed with this fluid vibrancy. His influence began to wane as Reims looked to work their way into the match, and Strasbourg no longer exerted complete dominance over the proceedings.
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Andrey Santos – 4
Dilane Bakwa – 7
Rumours have been flying over the Frenchman's future with clubs across Europe taking notice of his exploits in a Strasbourg shirt. He likely should have had an assist (and perhaps a goal if his finishing was a bit better) to add to his already impressive tally. Replaced by Andrew Omobamidele late in the second half as Strasbourg looked to hold on to the three points so they could jump into the Champions League spots.
Sebastian Nanasi – 6
Replaced by Habib Diarra early in the second half.
Emanuel Emegha – 4
Such a frustrating game for a striker who was this week linked to a move to sister club Chelsea. Nothing seemed to be going his way. The key moment was when he hit the post during the second half. It would have settled this tie and prevented any nervy moments late into the game.
Félix Lemaréchal – 6
Replaced by Sam Amo-Ameyaw midway through the second half.
Reims selected player ratings
Cédric Kipré – 6
Keito Nakamura – 5
Junya Ito – 6
GFFN | Nick Hartland

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