Stade de Reims Dominate Cercle Brugge in Pre‑Season Friendly

Stade de Reims produced an emphatic 3‑0 victory over Belgian side Cercle Brugge in an international club friendly played on 25 July 2026. The French Ligue 1 outfit showcased their attacking fluidity and defensive solidity as they prepare for the upcoming domestic season.

Dominant First Half

Reims took control from the opening exchanges. In the 12th minute, forward Folarin Balogun opened the scoring with a composed finish after a slick one‑two with midfield orchestrator Marshall Munetsi. Just before the half‑hour mark, winger Ito Junya doubled the lead, cutting inside from the right and curling a beautiful shot into the far corner. The home side continued to press and were rewarded in first‑half stoppage time when Balogun added his second of the evening, heading home from a corner to make it 3‑0.

Second Half Management

With the game effectively decided, Reims manager Will Still made several substitutions to give valuable minutes to squad players. Cercle Brugge improved after the interval, enjoying spells of possession, but created only a handful of half‑chances. Reims goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf was rarely tested, and the French side comfortably saw out the match without conceding. The clean sheet will be a welcome sign for a defence that has undergone minor reshuffling during the summer transfer window.

Key Takeaways

• Balogun’s form – The striker appears sharper than ever, indicating he could be a key figure in Ligue 1 this season.
• Midfield control – Munetsi’s box‑to‑box energy was pivotal in linking defence and attack.
• Cercle Brugge’s fight – Despite the scoreline, the Belgian side showed character in the second half and will benefit from this level of opposition in pre‑season.

The friendly served as an ideal workout for Stade de Reims, who will aim to build on this performance as they fine‑tune their tactics ahead of their Ligue 1 opener.