FC Metz and Stade de Reims Gear Up for Promotion Play-Off Showdown

Longeville-les-Metz, France — FC Metz will play against Stade de Reims on Thursday night, seeking promotion to Ligue 1 in the second leg of their promotion/relegation play-off. The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw, heightening the stakes for both teams in this do-or-die match.

Metz head coach Stéphane Le Mignan has a nearly full-strength squad, but will be without Joel Asoro, who is recovering from an ankle injury, and Belgian goalkeeper Arnaud Bodart, who has a knee injury. Le Mignan will rely on Guathier Hein, who played a key role in last season’s promotion with AJ Auxerre, to command the midfield.

On the other hand, Stade de Reims is also short on key players. Head coach Samba Diawara announced that Paris Saint-Germain loanee Gabriel Moscardo is out due to an ankle sprain sustained during the Coupe de France final against PSG, where Reims lost 3-0. Yaya Fofana, Reda Khadra, and Mohamed Daramy are also sidelined with injuries.

Reims has not won a match in over a month, struggling in their last four games leading up to this final showdown. Their last victory was a month ago, which has low morale affecting the players. This match is crucial for both teams, with promotion to Ligue 1 and the hopes of their respective fans on the line.

The match will take place at the Stade Auguste-Delaune at 19:30. With both teams experienced in high-stakes games, fans can expect an intense matchup filled with drama. The eventual winner will secure a coveted spot in Ligue 1 for next season.