Nancy 1-2 Stade de Reims: Reims Edge Thriller to Stay in Promotion Hunt

Stade de Reims secured a valuable 2-1 away win at Nancy in Ligue 2 on September 12, 2026, at the Stade Marcel Picot. A late goal gave the visitors all three points in a fiercely contested encounter that kept their promotion push firmly on track.

Match Overview

Reims started brightly and took the lead in the 21st minute when Mohamed Daramy beat the offside trap and finished coolly past the Nancy goalkeeper. Nancy responded well and equalized in the 38th minute through Cheikh N'Doye, who powered home a header from a corner. The second half was a tense affair, with both sides creating chances. Nancy thought they had taken the lead in the 72nd minute, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Just as the game seemed destined for a draw, Reims struck the winner in the 84th minute through Keito Nakamura, who curled a beautiful effort into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

Key Moments

• 21' – Goal (Reims): Mohamed Daramy races clear and finishes clinically.
• 38' – Goal (Nancy): Cheikh N'Doye heads in from a corner to level.
• 72' – Disallowed (Nancy): A goal is chalked off for offside after a VAR check.
• 84' – Goal (Reims): Keito Nakamura curls a stunning winner into the bottom corner.

Tactical Analysis

Reims set up in a 4-2-3-1 with Daramy and Nakamura providing pace on the wings. They looked to get in behind Nancy's defense at every opportunity, and it paid off for the opener. Nancy, fighting for their lives near the bottom, used a 4-4-2 and tried to press high. They had success from set-pieces, but their inability to hold onto the ball in midfield allowed Reims to dominate possession. The introduction of fresh legs from the bench ultimately made the difference for the visitors.

Standout Performers

Keito Nakamura was the hero for Reims, his late goal a moment of individual brilliance. Mohamed Daramy was a constant threat with his pace. For Nancy, Cheikh N'Doye was a towering presence in midfield and scored a fine header, while their goalkeeper made several important saves to keep them in the game.

Season Impact

The win keeps Stade de Reims firmly in the race for promotion, closing the gap on the top two. Nancy, on the other hand, remain in deep trouble at the wrong end of the table. They showed fight but lacked the quality to see the game out. With each passing week, their task of avoiding relegation grows more difficult.