In a high-stakes fight to guarantee a top-flight ticket, the Ligue 1 promotion/relegation play-off final pits Metz against Reims. Seeking to return to Ligue 1 following the heartbreak of last season’s play-off, Metz must contend with Reims side battling to maintain their seven-year elite level membership.
With a capacity of 28,786, the game started at 19:00 GMT+0 at Stade Saint-Symphorien in Metz. Although referee information is yet unknown, this Ligue 1 play-off first leg is crucial for both teams since Metz uses their strong home record while Reims struggles with a packed schedule including the Coupe de France final.
Current Ligue 1 Play-Off Standings for Metz vs Reims May 21, 2025
As Metz and Reims face off in the Ligue 1 promotion/relegation play-off first leg, both teams are driven by contrasting goals: Metz aim to reclaim their top-flight status, while Reims fight to preserve their seven-year Ligue 1 tenure. This crucial match at Stade Saint-Symphorien sets the stage for a tense battle, with the outcome shaping their respective seasons.
Betting Tips and Match Insights
The Metz vs Reims prediction today hinges on recent form, head-to-head records, and key player performances. Metz have been nearly invincible at home, while Reims’ defensive frailties have cost them dearly in 2025. This section sets the stage for a detailed look at both teams’ latest results and historical encounters. Expect a tactical battle shaped by contrasting motivations: Metz’s hunger for promotion versus Reims’ desperation to avoid relegation. These insights will guide bettors toward informed decisions.
Metz Results
Metz have shown resilience in Ligue 2, securing a play-off spot with a dramatic semi-final win. Their home form is a cornerstone of their campaign, with only one league loss at Stade Saint-Symphorien this season. Stéphane Le Mignan’s side now face a defining moment to overturn last year’s play-off disappointment.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 17/05/25 | Ligue 1 | Metz vs Dunkerque | 1-0 | W |
| 10/05/25 | Ligue 2 | Laval vs Metz | 2-3 | W |
| 02/05/25 | Ligue 2 | Metz vs Rodez | 3-3 | D |
| 26/04/25 | Ligue 2 | Pau FC vs Metz | 2-1 | L |
| 19/04/25 | Ligue 2 | Metz vs Red Star | 2-2 | D |
Metz’s recent form reveals a strong attacking output, netting nine goals across their last five matches. Their sole defeat came away at Pau, highlighting vulnerability on the road but not at home. The 1-0 win over Dunkerque, courtesy of a 93rd-minute strike, underscores their clutch mentality. Draws against Rodez and Red Star suggest defensive lapses that Reims could exploit. However, Metz’s home unbeaten streak against Reims since 1975 bolsters confidence.
Reims Results
Reims’ 2025 campaign has been plagued by inconsistency, culminating in a 16th-place Ligue 1 finish. A late penalty concession against Lille and Le Havre’s dramatic win over Strasbourg sealed their play-off fate. Samba Diawara’s men now face a grueling schedule with this tie bookending their Coupe de France final.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 17/05/25 | Ligue 1 | Lille vs Reims | 2-1 | L |
| 10/05/25 | Ligue 1 | Reims vs St Etienne | 0-2 | L |
| 02/05/25 | Ligue 1 | Nice vs Reims | 1-0 | L |
| 27/04/25 | Ligue 1 | Montpellier vs Reims | 0-0 | D |
| 20/04/25 | Ligue 1 | Reims vs Toulouse | 1-0 | W |
Reims’ three consecutive losses before this match exposed defensive frailties, conceding five goals in those games. Their only win in the last five came at home against Toulouse, a low-scoring affair. The draw at Montpellier showed resilience but no cutting edge. Reims’ 12 league defeats in 2025, the third-highest across France’s top tiers, signal a team under pressure. Their reliance on Keito Nakamura’s away goals could be a lifeline.
Metz vs Reims Head-to-Head (Last 5 Matches)
Historical clashes between Metz and Reims provide critical context for this play-off. Metz’s unbeaten home record against Reims since 1975 is a psychological edge. Recent encounters have been tightly contested, often decided by fine margins.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
| 17/03/24 | Ligue 1 | Reims vs Metz | 2-1 |
| 03/09/23 | Ligue 1 | Metz vs Reims | 2-2 |
| 20/07/22 | Club Friendly | Reims vs Metz | 1-0 |
| 16/01/22 | Ligue 1 | Reims vs Metz | 0-1 |
| 22/08/21 | Ligue 1 | Metz vs Reims | 1-1 |
Metz have won once and drawn twice in their last five against Reims, with no home losses. Reims’ two victories came in their own stadium or a friendly, suggesting Metz’s home advantage holds firm. Goals have been scarce, with three of five matches featuring under 2.5 goals, pointing to a cagey first leg.
Metz Possible Starting Lineup
Metz are likely to field a balanced 4-4-2 formation, leveraging their home strength and key attackers to pressure Reims’ shaky defense.
Pape Sy (GK), Koffi Kouao (DF), Sadibou Sane (DF), Urie-Michel Mboula (DF), Matthieu Udol (DF), Jessy Deminguet (MF), Alpha Toure (MF), Gauthier Hein (MF), Papa Amadou Diallo (MF), Cheikh Sabaly (FW), Morgan Bokele Mputu (FW)
Reims Possible Starting Lineup
Reims are expected to deploy a 4-2-2 setup, focusing on defensive solidity while relying on Keito Nakamura and Junya Ito for counter-attacking threats.
Yehvann Diouf (GK), Buta (DF), Sekine Hiroki (DF), Joseph Okumu (DF), Cedric Kipre (DF), Sergio Akieme (MF), Mory Gbane (MF), Amadou Kone (MF), Valentin Atangana Edoa (MF), Keito Nakamura (FW), Jordan Siebatcheu (FW)
Injured and Questionable Players
Injuries and fitness concerns could significantly impact the Metz vs Reims match, with both teams potentially missing key players. The table below details players who are confirmed injured or questionable for the May 21, 2025, clash, based on available team news. This information is critical for understanding potential lineup adjustments and their effect on the game.
| Team | Player | Status/Injury |
| Metz | Ablie Jallow | Injured (Hamstring) |
| Metz | Joel Asoro | Questionable (Ankle) |
| Reims | Teddy Teuma | Injured (Knee) |
| Reims | Thomas Foket | Questionable (Calf) |
| Reims | Maxime Busi | Injured (Shoulder) |
Key Factors to Watch
Both teams enter this play-off with distinct strengths and vulnerabilities. Metz’s home dominance contrasts with Reims’ defensive struggles and packed schedule. Here are the critical elements shaping the Metz vs Reims match prediction:
- Metz’s home form: Unbeaten in 15 home games against Reims (W8, D7) and only one league loss at home in 2025;
- Reims’ defensive issues: Conceded in each of their last three matches, with 12 league losses this year;
- Cheikh Sabaly’s impact: Metz are unbeaten when their top scorer nets (W12, D5);
- Keito Nakamura’s away threat: 12 of his 16 goals for Reims came on the road;
- Reims’ schedule strain: Playing the Coupe de France final between play-off legs rsks fatigue;
- Metz’s clutch moments: Their 93rd-minute winner against Dunkerque shows resilience;
- Reims’ late collapses: Conceded decisive goals in the 86th and 99th minutes in recent matches;
- No first-leg comeback precedent: Since 2016/17, no team losing the play-off first leg has won the tie.
Free Tips on Metz vs Reims
The Metz vs Reims play-off clash on May 21, 2025, demands careful consideration of data-driven insights to inform betting decisions. This section offers targeted tips based on team and player statistics, historical matchups, and contextual factors unique to this encounter. These pointers will help bettors navigate the complexities of this high-stakes Ligue 1 play-off first leg.
- Leverage Head-to-Head Trends: Metz’s unbeaten home record against Reims since 1975 (W8, D7) suggests a strong psychological and tactical edge at Stade Saint-Symphorien. Study past encounters, where three of the last five matches produced under 2.5 goals, indicating a likely low-scoring affair.
- Evaluate Player Form: Focus on Reims’ Keito Nakamura, who has scored 12 of his 16 goals away, making him a potential game-changer. Conversely, Metz’s reliance on Cheikh Sabaly’s scoring (unbeaten in matches where he scores) highlights his pivotal role in their attack.
- Consider Pitch and Weather Impact: Check the weather forecast for Metz on match day, as rain could slow the natural grass pitch at Stade Saint-Symphorien, favoring Metz’s structured play over Reims’ counter-attacking style. A slicker surface might amplify Nakamura’s threat on the break.
- Account for Reims’ Congested Schedule: Reims face fatigue risks with the Coupe de France final sandwiched between play-off legs, potentially leading to reduced intensity or rotation. Metz, with a less demanding schedule, could capitalize on fresher legs.
- Assess Stadium Atmosphere: Metz’s passionate home crowd, filling the 28,786-capacity Stade Saint-Symphorien, acts as a “12th man,” boosting team morale. This fan-driven intensity could pressure Reims, who have struggled in hostile away environments.
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Metz vs Reims Match Prediction 2025
The Metz vs Reims prediction 2025 leans toward a narrow home win due to Metz’s formidable home record and Reims’ defensive woes. Metz’s unbeaten streak against Reims at Stade Saint-Symphorien since 1975, coupled with their 11 wins and six draws at home this season, makes them favorite. Reims, reeling from three straight losses and a taxing schedule, may struggle to match Metz’s intensity. Keito Nakamura’s away scoring prowess is a threat, but Reims’ 12 league defeats in 2025 and late concessions (e.g., 86th-minute penalty vs. Lille) expose vulnerabilities. Metz’s Cheikh Sabaly, whose goals guarantee at least a point, could tip the scales. Historical data shows these clashes are low-scoring, with three of the last five under 2.5 goals. The Metz vs Reims odds reflect this, likely favoring a tight contest. No team losing the first leg has won the play-off since 2016/17, making this match pivotal. We predict a 1-0 Metz victory, capitalizing on home advantage and Reims’ fatigue. (997 characters)
Our Prediction: Metz 1-0 Reims
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Match Outcome | Metz to Win | 2.3 |
| Total Goals | Under 2.5 Goals | 1.73 |
| Both Teams to Score | No | 1.95 |
Place your bets with confidence on this crucial play-off clash. You can place your bet on the Metz vs Reims match at bc.game, where competitive odds and a seamless betting experience await.
