Sabasports Match Preview
Ligue 1/2 Playoffs: Reims vs Metz
Kickoff Time: 2025-05-30 02:30(HKT)
Source:REUTERS/Denis Balibouse
In the Coupe de France final held last weekend, Reims lost 0-3 to Paris Saint-Germain and missed out on the championship. Three days earlier, Reims had played the first leg of the playoff against Metz, resulting in a 1-1 draw on the road. Now, Reims needs to return to their home ground to prepare for the second leg match against Metz. This means that Reims has to travel across three cities within nine days to complete three high-intensity matches, putting a severe test on their players’ stamina. Since mid-April, Reims has not won any of their six consecutive games in all competitions. Recently, Reims tried to strengthen their defense by adopting a 541 formation, but it did not yield ideal results as they conceded goals in five consecutive matches. In terms of offense, Reims relies on their wings to launch attacks. Moreover, 35% of their goals come from set-pieces, making it one of their key strategies.
Metz is also a traditional club in France. They secured third place in this season’s Ligue 2 with a record of 18 wins, 11 draws, and five losses, thus qualifying for the playoffs. Analyzing the stats, Metz scored a total of 64 goals and conceded 34 in Ligue 2 this season, showing an offensive power just behind the champion team Lorient, and they also rank third in defense in Ligue 2. Their attacking and defensive stats consistently lead among teams in Ligue 2. In tactics, Metz mainly creates threats through midfield swift coordination and wing breakthroughs. It’s worth mentioning that Metz’s away performance is quite impressive too. In their latest nine away games, Metz achieved five wins, three draws, and one loss, making them a team not to be underestimated in terms of their away game capability.
From the first leg match, both Reims and Metz showed quite similar performances, with data statistics closely matched. However, Reims will have to endure three life-and-death battles in nine days, and their physical condition is clearly inferior to Metz’s. Under such circumstances, Metz, with good physical condition, deserves more attention.
Reims’ Last 5 Games: LDLLL
25-05-25 Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 Reims
25-05-22 Metz 1-1 Reims
25-05-18 Lille 2-1 Reims
25-05-11 Reims 0-2 Saint-Etienne
25-05-03 Nice 1-0 Reims
Metz’s Last 5 Games: DWWDL
25-05-22 Metz 1-1 Reims
25-05-17 Metz 1-0 Dunkerque
25-05-10 Laval 2-3 Metz
25-05-03 Metz 3-3 Rodez
25-04-27 Pau 2-1 Metz
Head To Head Record:
25-05-22 Metz 1-1 Reims
24-03-17 Reims 2-1 Metz
23-09-03 Metz 2-2 Reims
22-07-20 Reims 1-0 Metz
22-01-16 Reims 0-1 Metz
Prediction: Metz to win or Draw