A derby, even in Ligue 2, is important. It was enough to see the number of supporters present at the Stade de Reims training, two days before the reception of the Troyes club (Aube), this Friday, October 24, to realize the enthusiasm around this meeting between Champagne neighbors. Among these approximately 150 people, a good number of children, due to school holidays. And in particular the young licensees of the Racing club Épernay, on football training throughout the week.
On the applause meter, the winner is Keito Nakamura, scorer on October 14 with the Japanese selection against Brazil, during a friendly match which is also the first victory in the history of the Samurai Blue against the Seleção (3-2).
“We know that we perform well in attack, but we expect better from defense,” notes Sébastien, 51, who became a Stade de Reims supporter fifteen years ago, following a professional transfer. “After the big disappointment of the downhill, the start of the season is mixed. We are in our place. »
Fifth in Ligue 2 with a team largely overhauled compared to the one which finished 16th in Ligue 1 last year, Stade de Reims has in fact alternated between good and bad during the first 10 matches of the season. Particularly during his last two outings, ending in a big defeat against Grenoble (2-4) and a draw against the modest Rodez team (2-2).
Safety device
For its part, Troyes is a solid leader who already has an eight-point lead over Reims. So the match against neighboring Aube, with whom the rivalry is strong, even if it is far from being as exacerbated as with the Ardennes of Sedan, will already be a crucial match. “It’s a real derby and a match to win,” says Matéo, 18, who will be in the stands on Friday. “If we end up at 11 points, that’s going to be a lot…”
Before this momentous meeting, the young man and his group of friends have already planned everything. “We’re going to party in the afternoon, bring back some champagne!” », he says to one of them, Maël, who will also be present at the stadium, alongside the group of Ultrem 1995 supporters.
Matéo’s mother, Alicia, has other concerns ahead of the meeting: “There will be a great atmosphere, but I’m always afraid that it will get out of hand. When it’s a risky match, like the one against Metz last year, I’m not too reassured… Fortunately, he was gone as soon as the final whistle blew. »
Like other Rémois, the 41-year-old mother heard about the security system provided by the Marne prefecture. The meeting was classified as level three (out of five) by the national anti-hooliganism division, given a dozen disputes between supporters of the two clubs over the last 15 years. The 600 Trojans authorized to attend the meeting will only travel by bus, under police escort, and will be prohibited from traveling in Reims and neighboring motorway areas. So that the show takes place on the lawn, and not outside it.
