The tension will be at its height for the **return match**. Metz and Reims neutralized (1-1) during the highlighting of **Ligue 1**, Wednesday, May 21, at the **Saint-Symphorien stadium** during a balanced meeting between the **3rd** from **Ligue 2** and the **16th** of the elite.
Meanwhile, the **Marne club** will compete in the final of the **French Cup** against **Paris Saint-Germain** on Saturday. But it will not be his main concern: Reims seeks at all costs to avoid the descent which would make an end to a **gloomy season**, marked in particular by the **dismissal** of its coach **Luka Elsner**.
A few days after being pushed to the brink during the last minute of this season of **Ligue 1**, by **Le Havre**, the Rémois were in **Moselle** in a “**Cattening session**” for “**Save the essentials**” in the words of their coach **Samba Diawara** before the match.
Reims Best after Break
However, it was the **Messins** who started the meeting best, in fine *and fresh* rain but above all in a hot atmosphere created by their supporters, who dreamed all season of finding **Ligue 1**, a year after relegation.
The players of **Stéphane Le Mignan** monopolized the ball during the first twenty minutes, lighting the first wick by **Jessy Deminguet** (15e). They were finally rewarded with a **header** from their captain, **Matthieu Udol** (1-0, 38e), after a corner, when the debates were balanced.
Seeing that this match did not turn in his favor, Samba Diawara brought in **Amadou Koné** and **Oumar Diakité** at halftime. His troops then played with much increased intensity, offering races and attacking in numbers, before equalizing thanks to **Cédric Kipré**, who also converted a specific free kick from **Sergio Akieme** (1-1, 52e).
Boycott of Ultras Rémois
The Rémois could not emphasize the advantage, deprived of their **ultras**, who boycotted the trip, claiming to be tired by “**Mentalities**” and the “**management**,” stating before the match: “**It is up to you to prove to us that you deserve our support and not the other way around.**”
The **Rémois pride reaction**, which Metz failed to respond to despite pressure at the end of the game, may have convinced the ultras to give them their support for the **Auguste-Delaune stadium**, Thursday, May 29, for the decisive match.
“We will go to the return match with great determination; we will prepare to go and enter **Ligue 1**,” said coach Messin **Stéphane Le Mignan**.