Stade de Reims rescued a draw against FC Metz (1-1) in their relegation play-off encounter on Wednesday night. The second leg will take place at the Stade Auguste-Delaune II next Thursday.
Metz took the lead late in the first half with Matthieu Udol getting on the scoresheet, before Cédirc Kipré levelled up the tie just after half-time. Post-match, Samba Diawara evoked fatigue in his squad, and he therefore opted to rest some players, despite the importance of the match. As well as the second leg of the relegation play-off, Reims also have a Coupe de France final to prepare for, against Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday.
Diawara’s comments around the match showed that – naturally – focus will be on the relegation play-off. Junya Ito, Mahamadou Diakhon, and Aurelio Buta were all rested with minor niggles on Wednesday night, whilst Valentin Atangana was also brought off at the break. Diawara is therefore having to manage the minutes as his Reims side play for their future.
