Diallo sparkles as Reims remain Still
Will Still’s side headed into this lunchtime clash requiring a positive result to keep their European hopes alive after picking up just one win in their last four league outings. At the bottom end of the table, Strasbourg were looking to record back-to-back victories for the first time this season to leap out of the drop zone.
Seemingly full of confidence following their 3-1 triumph over AC Ajaccio last time out, the visitors raced ahead inside 20 seconds through Habib Diallo, who cleverly guided in Habib Diarra’s inviting ball over the top with his head.
Reims responded by piling on some heavy pressure as they went in search of an equaliser, but the home side struggled to find a breakthrough, with Matz Sels excellently pushing Folarin Balogun’s bending free-kick out of play in the 28th minute. After failing to take advantage of their first-half dominance, the home side fell further behind as Diallo fired in his 17th Ligue 1 goal of the campaign after combining with Diarra once again inside the area.
Reims came out for the second half all guns blazing and immediately had the home side on the back foot. But much like the first period, the hosts lacked quality in the final third, which prompted Still to make a triple change in the 55th minute to shake things up for his team. Despite losing Diallo through injury on the hour mark, Strasbourg aimed to take further advantage of Reims’ frustrating afternoon and saw Lucas Perrin narrowly miss with a headed chance from close range.
The home side continued to probe as Junya Ito tested Sels with a hopeful hit inside the area before Balogun rattled the crossbar seven minutes from time. In the end, Strasbourg held on to secure a vital victory in their fight for survival, while today’s result means Reims go three games without victory on home soil and remain nine points from a European berth.
Flashscore Player of the Match: Habib Diallo (RC Strasbourg Alsace)