After just three minutes, Cedric Kipre's terrible stamp on Welsh player Jordan James earned Reims a straight red card, putting them behind by one man. Then, when the referee gave the visitors a penalty for handball, things swiftly became worse for them. Arnaud Kalimuendo scored his 11th goal in 22 league games from the penalty spot with ease.

Even when Reims was reduced to nine men in the closing minutes after Hafiz Ibrahim was given a second yellow card, there was little goalmouth activity even though the home team appeared to have a better chance of scoring. Reims has not won in 12 league games since November 10 as a result of the outcome. They are now four points above the relegation zone in 14th position in Ligue 1, having lost all four of their games in February.