Grenoble Foot 38 delivered a clinical demonstration of counter-attacking football, defeating a dominant Reims side 4-2 at the Stade Auguste-Delaune in a drama-filled Ligue 2 clash on Saturday afternoon. Despite enjoying nearly two-thirds of possession and peppering the Grenoble goal with 20 shots, Reims were left ruing their inefficiency in front of goal and the devastating precision of Grenoble’s attacks.

From the opening whistle, the home side asserted control, but it was Grenoble who landed the first blow. In just the 6th minute, Yadaly Diaby latched onto a superb through ball from Theo Valls before sliding his shot past Ewen Jaouen, silencing the Reims faithful. Twenty-two minutes later, Grenoble’s Gaëtan Paquiez doubled the lead, capitalizing on a moment of disorganization in the Reims backline.

Reims, unbowed by the early deficit, surged forward and were rewarded in the 35th minute. Keito Nakamura halved the deficit, finishing crisply after a well-worked move spearheaded by a clever assist from Amine Salama. The goal ignited belief, but with momentum building, Karel Geraerts’ side were unable to find a first-half equalizer, despite racking up corners and forcing several sharp saves from Mamadou Diop.

The second half followed a familiar pattern: Reims monopolized possession — ending with an imposing 64% — but clear chances remained elusive, often snuffed out by Grenoble’s disciplined five-man defense. Against the run of play, Mattheo Xantippe restored Grenoble’s two-goal cushion in the 72nd minute, finishing an incisive counter with Reims stretched forward in search of parity.

Just as Reims pressed with renewed urgency, substitute Evans Fabrice Maurin struck in the 80th minute, capping a flowing move initiated by Nesta Elphege, making it 4-1 and placing the result beyond doubt. A late strike from Abdoul Kone, assisted by Teddy Teuma in the 87th, trimmed the deficit but could not alter the narrative.

Statistically, Reims were the aggressors: 20 total shots, 8 on target, 7 corners, and an impressive 531 completed passes at 85% accuracy. Yet Grenoble’s ruthless efficiency — 6 total shots, 4 on target, all resulting in goals — told the tale. Franck Rizzetto’s men, often under siege, kept their shape and broke with purpose, exposing Reims’ defensive frailty on the counter.

For Reims, the defeat halts momentum and exposes vulnerabilities as they chase promotion. For Grenoble, this result jumpstarts their campaign and demonstrates the hazards of underestimating a compact, opportunistic side.

For detailed highlights and in-depth match moments, see recaps from reputable YouTube channels with strong followings such as beIN SPORTS France and Ligue 2 BKT. (Note: Only videos from channels with verified audiences and credible match footage are recommended for match analysis.)