Dunkerque 1-1 Reims: Ligue 2 2025-26 match report

Dunkerque and Reims played out a tense 1–1 draw at the Stade Marcel Tribut on Tuesday night, a result that saw the visitors rescue a point deep into second-half stoppage time. In a contest defined by tactical discipline and a late surge of intensity, the two sides ultimately shared the spoils in a result that reflected the fine margins of the 2025-26 Ligue 2 campaign.

The opening

Albert Sanchez set his Dunkerque side up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, looking to control the central areas and disrupt the rhythm of Karel Geraerts’ Reims, who deployed a more traditional 4-4-2. The first half was characterized by a cautious approach from both teams, with neither side willing to overcommit in the early stages.

Dunkerque gradually grew into the game, finding space in the wide channels and testing the Reims defensive structure. Their persistence was rewarded in the 40th minute when T. Robinet broke the deadlock. The goal provided a necessary spark, forcing Reims to reconsider their approach as they headed into the interval trailing by a single goal.

The decisive moment

Recognizing the need for a change in momentum, Geraerts made an immediate adjustment at the start of the second half, introducing M. Daramy for H. Ibrahim. The tactical shift brought increased urgency to the Reims attack, though it also led to a more physical encounter. Discipline became an issue for the visitors, who picked up two yellow cards in quick succession—first to T. Leoni in the 47th minute, followed by N. Ahouonon in the 51st.

Geraerts continued to rotate his squad, making a triple substitution in the 59th minute as Y. Benhattab, E. Zabi, and A. Tia entered the fray. Despite the influx of fresh legs, Dunkerque’s defensive block remained resolute, successfully absorbing the pressure for the majority of the second period. Sanchez looked to solidify his lead with his own changes, bringing on Y. Sekongo and M. Bokele Mputu in the 77th minute to maintain the work rate in the final third.

As the clock ticked into the final minutes, the atmosphere at the Stade Marcel Tribut grew increasingly fraught. Dunkerque’s A. Linguet and M. Niflore were both cautioned as the home side attempted to manage the closing stages. However, just as it appeared Dunkerque would secure all three points, Reims found their breakthrough. In the 90th minute, Keito Nakamura converted a delivery from Sergio Akieme, silencing the home crowd and ensuring the points were split at the death.

Looking ahead

The late equalizer leaves both managers with plenty to analyze regarding their side's concentration in the dying moments of the match. While Dunkerque will be disappointed to have surrendered a lead so close to the final whistle, the performance provides a solid foundation for their upcoming fixtures. For Reims, the result serves as a testament to their persistence, keeping them in the hunt as the league table continues to tighten.