FC Metz had a successful Ascension Thursday! After losing last season`s Ligue 1 relegation playoff to Saint-Etienne in extra time at home, Stéphane Le Mignan`s team turned the tables this year, sending Reims down.
At a packed Stade Auguste-Delaune, Reims started with intensity. The home side missed a golden opportunity to take the lead early on, specifically in the fifth minute. Defensive midfielder Mory Gbane had an open look at goal from inside the area, but his weak effort lacked the force needed to beat Pape Sy. Metz found their rhythm shortly after and even controlled possession, though they found it difficult to penetrate the Reims defense, leaving goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf largely untroubled.
The first half was generally poor in quality. With so much on the line, neither Reims nor Metz were willing to take many offensive risks. The lone shot on target in the opening 45 minutes was Gbane`s early chance. Metz, specifically, recorded an expected goals (xG) figure of 0.00.
The second half began similarly to the first, featuring numerous unforced errors from both sides. Reims gradually increased their intensity, starting to control possession more effectively, and this approach paid off.
Amadou Koné delivered a precise pass through the defense to Junya Ito in the area. The Japanese player appeared to accidentally redirect the ball into the path of the charging Martial Tia. The young 18-year-old Malian midfielder showed composure, striking the ball powerfully to net Reims` most crucial goal of their campaign. Tia had only made six appearances for the club before this match, making the relegation playoff the stage for his first senior goal!
Reims seemed to have completed the most difficult task, largely due to Metz posing little threat. This held true until the 78th minute. Metz`s left-back and captain, Mathieu Udol, intercepted a wayward pass from substitute Valentin Atangana, beat the defender, and unleashed a spectacular left-footed strike into the top corner that Yehvann Diouf could only slightly impede. Astonishingly, this was Metz`s very first shot of the match.
Udol`s stunning goal revitalized Metz, instilling them with new energy and confidence. They did more than just hang on, managing to force extra time. Both teams appeared exhausted heading into another 30 minutes of intense, high-stakes play. Ito nearly put Reims back in front, but his left-footed shot narrowly missed the target.
Ultimately, the outcome of the Ligue 1 relegation playoff was settled by Gauthier Hein`s moments of brilliance. The ex-Auxerre midfielder calmly feigned a shot, deceiving Reims defenders, and back-heeled the ball to Alpha Touré, whose potent strike was too powerful for Yehvann Diouf. This goal marked the first time Metz took the lead in the tie.
Just four minutes later, Hein sealed the victory with another moment of genius. As Reims pushed forward desperately seeking an equalizer, they left themselves vulnerable to a counter-attack. Hein embarked on a clear run from Metz`s half, saw Diouf positioned far off his line, and executed a perfect long-range chip.
Reims were defeated on their home ground. For the third consecutive time, a Ligue 2 team emerged victorious in the Ligue 1 relegation playoff. Metz have earned their return to the top flight.
