Metz vs Reims

Metz to Battle Reims in High-Stakes Playoff Final

After defeating Dunkerque in the playoff semifinals, Metz now sets its sights on Reims in a decisive two-legged final for promotion to Ligue 1. The first leg kicks off at Metz’s home ground, Stade Saint-Symphorien, with both teams fighting to secure their top-flight status.

Metz’s Rollercoaster Journey
Over the past decade, Metz has bounced between Ligue 1 and Ligue 2. After relegation last season, the club aimed for an immediate return but narrowly missed automatic promotion by four points, landing them in the playoffs. Despite their underdog status, recent momentum suggests optimism: Metz enters the final on the back of 11 matches with just one loss (a narrow defeat to Pau FC) and a stellar home record, losing only once in 18 games this season (61% win rate). With promotion just two games away, confidence is rising.

Reims’ Sudden Slide
Reims, meanwhile, faces an unexpected crisis. The club enjoyed seven straight seasons in Ligue 1, avoiding relegation comfortably until this year. A strong start saw them flirting with European qualification early, but a dramatic collapse saw them plummet to 16th. Three consecutive losses in the final stretch left them a single point shy of safety, forcing them into this playoff. Compounding their woes, Reims has struggled offensively on the road, failing to score in six of their last ten away matches.

Why Metz Holds the Edge
Metz’s recent form—back-to-back wins against Dunkerque and Laval—contrasts sharply with Reims’ dismal three-game losing streak. While Reims faced tough opponents during their slide, their away scoring woes and shaky morale make them vulnerable. Metz’s fortress-like home advantage further tilts the scales.

Prediction: Metz to Win or Draw
This clash promises tension, but Metz’s resilience at home and Reims’ faltering attack suggest the hosts can at least secure a draw—if not a win—to carry momentum into the second leg. Expect a gritty battle, but Metz’s consistency and home dominance position them as favorites to avoid defeat.