Les Vertes fall to Reims

If the first opportunity comes from Saint-Étienne through a brilliant ball recovery in midfield, the Greens push forward with Marion Romanelli, who manages to find Adèle Connesson in the box. Reims quickly responds by capitalizing on a poorly executed free kick by the Greens, allowing their opponents a counterattack. However, Maryne Gignoux wins the duel outside her area. The intensity then quickly diminishes due to numerous stoppages in play. Remaining vigilant, Maryne Gignoux does not forget the essentials and magnificently deflects a long-range strike from Maite Boucly onto the crossbar in the 34th minute. However, Reims’ number 15 takes advantage of an ideal position shortly after and opens the scoring during a strong spell just before halftime (ASSE 0-1 Stade de Reims, 39’).

After the break, the Greens push forward again, attempting to attack. But Reims holds firm. As the hour mark approaches, substitutions are made: Adèle Connesson and Morgane Belkhiter make way for Cindy Caputo and Alexandria Lamontagne. Unfortunately for Laurent Mortel’s team, Reims doubles their lead. Hawa Sangaré scores with a header, confirmed by the assistant referee, who signals the ball crossed the line despite Solène Champagnac’s intervention (ASSE 0-2 Stade de Reims, 62’). Reims’ number 29 even completes a brace moments later, sealing her team’s victory (ASSE 0-3 Stade de Reims, 68’). Despite late adjustments — Lisa Martinez for Solène Champagnac (72’), then Maeva Maniouloux and Taeryne Job for Sarah Stratigakis and Marion Romanelli (89’) — the score remains unchanged. Reims secures a win on the pitch of Stade Salif-Keita.

The day’s results benefit Montpellier and Nantes, who extend their lead over the Greens. Reims climbs in the standings but remains five points behind. Saint-Étienne will need to regain confidence this Sunday against a serious Olympique de Marseille side (D2) in the Coupe de France before traveling to Fleury on the weekend of January 17.

ASSE 0-3 Reims
12th Matchday of the Arkema First League
Wednesday, January 8, 5:00 PM at Stade Salif-Keita

Halftime: 0-1

Goals: Boucly (39’), Sangaré (61’, 68’) for Reims

ASSE Lineup: Gignoux, Romanelli (subbed off for Job, 88’), Bogi, Mayi Kith, Tapia, Champagnac (subbed off for Martinez, 70’), Bataillard, Cambot, Belkhiter (subbed off for Lamontagne, 59’), Connesson (subbed off for Caputo, 59’), Stratigakis (subbed off for Maniouloux, 88’).

Coach: Laurent Mortel