Reims and Rennes drop points in the French league chase for a European place
PARIS (AP) — Reims and Rennes lost their French league games on Saturday and dropped vital points in the race for European places next season.
Reims fell at Strasbourg 3-1 and remained in seventh spot while Rennes stayed ninth following a 2-1 home loss against Toulouse with five games left.
Reims led early through Japan forward Keito Nakamura, but veteran striker Kevin Gameiro equalized with a penalty just before halftime. Defender Abakar Sylla netted shortly after the break and substitute Moïse Sahi Dion scored an injury-time goal for coach Patrick Vieira’s side.
In the late game, 18-year-old midfielder Désiré Doué's angled shot put Rennes ahead after 20 minutes. Venezuela midfielder Cristian Casseres equalized within two minutes and Mali defender Moussa Diarra gave Toulouse the advantage 10 minutes later.
Tempers frayed near the end when Toulouse goalkeeper Guillaume Restes tumbled to the floor following a high challenge, and players from each side started shoving.