Stade de Reims and USL Dunkerque produced arguably the most entertaining match of the opening Ligue 2 weekend, playing out a breathless 3-3 draw at the Stade Auguste-Delaune. There were six goals, two lead changes, and a dramatic late equalizer that left both sets of supporters on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.

The match had everything a neutral could ask for, with both teams committing men forward at every opportunity. For long spells, defensive structure was left by the wayside as Reims and Dunkerque engaged in an end-to-end contest that ebbed and flowed from the first minute to the last.

Momentum swings throughout a frantic opener

Reims struck first, taking the lead midway through the opening period with a well-taken goal that appeared to settle the home side. Their advantage lasted only a short while, however, as Dunkerque responded quickly with an equalizer that restore parity before half-time.

The second half was even more chaotic. Dunkerque stunned the home crowd by taking the lead shortly after the restart, turning the match on its head with a well-organized counter-attack. Reims pushed forward in search of a response and were rewarded with a second equalizer, before finally edging ahead for a second time with what looked like being the winning goal in the closing stages.

But there was to be one final twist. Dunkerque, showing admirable resilience, found a stoppage-time equalizer to snatch a share of the spoils and send their travelling supporters into raptures.

Key moments

• 24' — Goal (1-0): Reims take an early lead after a slick passing move splits the Dunkerque defence.
• 39' — Goal (1-1): Dunkerque level through a header from a well-delivered corner.
• 52' — Goal (1-2): A rapid Dunkerque breakaway puts the visitors ahead for the first time.
• 71' — Goal (2-2): Reims reply immediately as their attacker side-foots home from the edge of the box.
• 84' — Goal (3-2): The home side look to have won it with a composed finish following sustained pressure.
• 90+3' — Goal (3-3): Dunkerque snatch the equalizer deep into stoppage time with a scrambled close-range effort.

Tactical story

Both managers set their teams up to attack, and neither was willing to sit back when the match hung in the balance. Reims controlled more of the possession and produced the greater volume of chances, but their defensive fragility at set-pieces and on the counter-attack proved costly.

Dunkerque, by contrast, were efficient in their direct approach, springing forward quickly through wide areas and punishing every Reims lapse. Their willingness to keep playing on the front foot in stoppage time deserved its reward, and they will take great heart from the character shown to avoid a third defeat of the night.

What the result means

A point apiece means both teams start the Ligue 2 campaign with a share of the spoils. For Reims, the draw will feel like two points dropped given how late their lead was established, and the coaching staff will want a more disciplined defensive display next time out.

For Dunkerque, the result is a positive one on the road against a side expected to challenge in the upper half of the table. Taking a point from the Stade Auguste-Delaune, especially after having led twice and rescued a draw at the death, is a solid foundation on which to build the new season.