Guingamp 0-2 Reims: Ligue 2 2025-26 match report

Reims secured a clinical 2-0 victory over Guingamp at the Stade de Roudourou on Saturday afternoon, maintaining their tactical discipline in a match defined by defensive rigidity and opportunistic finishing. Under the guidance of Karel Geraerts, the visitors utilized a 5-3-2 formation that effectively stifled Guingamp’s 4-4-2 setup, leaving Sylvain Ripoll’s side struggling to find rhythm in the final third.

The opening

The atmosphere at the Stade de Roudourou was tense from the outset, with the referee forced to intervene early to manage the physicality of the contest. Guingamp’s T. Bartouche was cautioned just five minutes into the match, signaling the hosts' intent to disrupt Reims’ build-up play. However, the visitors remained composed, and their tactical patience was rewarded in the 14th minute.

M. Daramy broke the deadlock, finding space behind the Guingamp backline to put Reims ahead. The goal forced Guingamp to push higher up the pitch, but the resulting space only invited further pressure from the Reims midfield. As the first half progressed, the game became increasingly fragmented. J. Patrick saw yellow for Reims in the 35th minute, followed shortly by S. Nair for Guingamp in the 38th, as both sides struggled to maintain composure amidst a series of tactical fouls. By the interval, Reims held a narrow but deserved lead, having successfully navigated the early pressure from the home side.

The decisive moment

Sylvain Ripoll attempted to shift the momentum shortly after the break, introducing A. Sagna and J. Hatchi in the 58th minute to replace A. Samoura and F. Situmona Mbemba. Despite the personnel changes, Guingamp’s frustration grew as the referee continued to issue cards. K. Sidibé and L. Mafouta were both cautioned within a three-minute window, highlighting the hosts' inability to contain the Reims transition game.

The match was effectively decided in the 70th minute. Following an precise delivery from T. Leoni, M. Gbane doubled the lead for Reims. The goal served as a psychological blow to Guingamp, who had been pushing for an equalizer but lacked the clinical edge required to breach the five-man Reims defensive line.

Following the second goal, the game entered a period of attrition. Guingamp’s A. Abdallah received a yellow card in the 75th minute, further illustrating the hosts' mounting desperation. Karel Geraerts utilized the final twenty minutes to manage his squad’s energy, introducing fresh legs in M. Daramy—who was re-introduced following a tactical shuffle—and Keito Nakamura. Despite a flurry of late substitutions, including J. Patrick’s exit in stoppage time, Reims comfortably managed the remaining minutes to secure a clean sheet and all three points.

Looking ahead

The result provides a significant boost for Reims, who continue to demonstrate the defensive stability necessary to sustain their position in the league table. For Guingamp, the defeat highlights a lack of offensive fluidity that Ripoll must address if they are to climb the standings during the final stretch of the season.