Rennes Vs Reims

The Ligue 1 weekend kicks off with an intriguing battle at Roazhon Park on Friday night as Rennes take on Reims in a clash between two clubs struggling to find form this season. Both sides have endured a turbulent campaign and are embroiled in a fight to avoid the lower reaches of the table. With new managers at the helm for both teams, this match presents a critical opportunity for either side to gain valuable points and regain momentum.

As the 2025 Ligue 1 season progresses, Rennes and Reims find themselves in unfamiliar territory. Historically, both clubs have been known for their ability to maintain solid league positions, but this year has proven to be a challenging one. Rennes, in particular, are experiencing their worst campaign since the 2001-02 season, where they managed just 20 points from their opening 22 matches. Their current tally of 23 points from the same number of games is only marginally better, but there remains hope that they can steer themselves clear of the relegation battle. With an expensively assembled squad, expectations were significantly higher at the start of the season, yet results have failed to match the club’s ambitions.

Rennes' struggles were further highlighted last weekend when they fell to a 2-0 home defeat against Lille. The match turned on its head when Christopher Wooh was sent off, allowing Lille to seize control and eventually secure the victory with two late goals. This latest loss added to Rennes' disappointing home form in 2025, marking their third defeat at Roazhon Park since the turn of the year. Another defeat here would mark an unwanted piece of history, as it would be the first time since 1987 that Rennes have lost four of their first five home games in a calendar year.

Despite these woes, new manager Habib Beye initially provided a glimmer of hope. Following his appointment, Beye oversaw back-to-back victories against Strasbourg and Saint-Étienne, helping Rennes establish a five-point cushion over Saint-Étienne, who currently occupy the relegation playoff spot. However, there remains a looming concern that the poor form witnessed under former manager Jorge Sampaoli could return if Rennes fail to build on their early progress under Beye.

One particular cause for concern heading into this match is Rennes’ record against Reims. The hosts have struggled historically against their upcoming opponents, having lost more than half of their Ligue 1 meetings against Reims since the turn of the century. Out of their 21 encounters in that period, Rennes have been defeated 11 times, suffering a higher proportion of losses only against Bastia. Nevertheless, recent history at Roazhon Park suggests a potential shift in momentum, as Rennes have won their last two home meetings against Reims. A third successive home victory over Reims would mark the first time this century that Rennes have achieved such a feat against this particular opposition.

On the other hand, Reims enter the match in an even more precarious situation. Sitting just one point and one place below Rennes in the standings, their alarming decline resulted in the dismissal of Luka Elsner at the beginning of the month. The Slovenian coach had overseen a poor run of results, with the final straw coming in the form of a 2-1 home defeat to fellow relegation-threatened Nantes. Following Elsner’s departure, Samba Diawara was brought in to steady the ship, but so far, his impact has been minimal.

Reims’ attacking struggles have been particularly alarming under Diawara’s brief tenure. Since his arrival, the team has failed to score in two Ligue 1 matches, suffering consecutive defeats. Their only victory came in the Coupe de France against fifth-tier Bourgoin Jallieu, but even that required penalties after a goalless draw in regulation time. This lack of cutting edge in front of goal raises serious concerns about their ability to mount a turnaround in league form.

Their most recent away fixture saw them suffer a humbling 4-0 defeat against Lyon, a result that exposed their defensive frailties and lack of cohesion. That heavy defeat was followed by a narrow 1-0 loss at home to Angers, further deepening the club’s crisis. The upcoming midweek Coupe de France quarter-final against Angers now looms ominously, as their confidence continues to dwindle.

In the grander scheme of things, Reims’ poor run extends beyond Diawara’s arrival. They have taken just five points from the last 33 available, a stark indication of their struggles. Having lost three consecutive Ligue 1 matches, another defeat here would see them suffer four straight losses in the league for the first time in nearly five years. This slump comes at a particularly inopportune moment, as they are entering a decisive phase of the season where every point is crucial.

Adding to their concerns is their deteriorating away form. Earlier in the campaign, Reims had managed to accumulate 12 points from a possible 24 on their travels, showcasing a degree of resilience on the road. However, their recent performances have painted a different picture. In their last three away matches, they have managed to collect just one point, indicating a steep decline in their ability to compete outside of their home ground. Given Rennes’ own struggles, this match could be a crucial test of Reims’ resolve and ability to turn their season around.

For Rennes, this encounter represents a golden opportunity to secure a much-needed victory and push themselves further away from the danger zone. With the home crowd behind them, they will be hoping to capitalize on Reims’ vulnerabilities and rediscover some semblance of consistency. Their defensive discipline will be key, particularly in the absence of Christopher Wooh following his red card against Lille. Meanwhile, attacking players such as Amine Gouiri and Martin Terrier will need to step up and deliver in the final third.

As for Reims, their immediate priority must be to address their goal-scoring woes. A failure to find the back of the net in another Ligue 1 outing would only compound their misery and further dent their confidence. Diawara’s tactical approach will be under scrutiny, and he must find a way to unlock Rennes’ defense if his side is to stand any chance of coming away with a positive result.

Ultimately, both teams enter this fixture with a sense of desperation, knowing that another setback could plunge them deeper into trouble. While Rennes will be banking on home advantage to tilt the scales in their favor, Reims must summon a renewed sense of fight and determination to halt their slide. With so much at stake, this clash at Roazhon Park promises to be a tense and hard-fought battle, with each side desperate for a much-needed victory to revive their floundering campaigns.