Reims (AFP)

Supported for the first time since the start of the health crisis by the Loire Brigade, its main group of supporters, Nantes was still beaten in Reims (3-1), Sunday on the occasion of the 8th day of L1.

At the Auguste-Delaune stadium, the 250 or so ultras from Nantes played their role of 12th man, supporting their team from start to finish while distilling some hostile messages towards their president Waldemar Kita, but that was not enough.

After two prolific victories in Angers (4-1), then against Brest (3-1), the Canaries marked time, but remained in the first part of the standings (9th, 10 points).

For their part, the Rémois have finally found the path to victory at home, which had been fleeing them since January 24, 13 games.

The changes of Oscar Garcia in the second half, including the entries of Hugo Ekitike (2 goals) and Alexis Flips (2 assists) were decisive.

Victorious for the second time this season, the Champenois are provisionally tenth (10 points).

Well into the match, the Rémois also started their second period better.

Alexis Flips, who came into play five minutes earlier and already scorer in Lille on Wednesday, filed a corner on the head of right side Thomas Foket, lonely in the area (1-0, 51st).

The Belgian international's first goal in 114 matches under the Champagne colors!

While the best passer in L1 (5 units), Moses Simon, had put the two teams tied by playing off Gravillon, then Foket (1-1, 62nd), the three replacements decided by Garcia, in the 70th minute , have changed everything.

Nantes Nigerian midfielder Moses Simon celebrates his goal in front of defender Charles Traoré, during Matchday 8 of Ligue 1 against Reims, September 26, 2021 at Stade Auguste-Delaune DENIS CHARLET AFP

With in particular a quick goal from Hugo Ekitike, who came to cut at the near post a cross from Flips (2-1, 72nd), then a second from the young scorer trained in Champagne, very happy to see his strike, full axis at 25 meters, countered to deceive Alban Lafont (3-1, 78th).

The joy of the Reims striker Hugo Ekitike (d), after his goal against Nantes, during the 8th day of Ligue 1, September 26, 2021 at the Auguste-Delaune Stadium DENIS CHARLET AFP

"This Reims team is not successful for us," had warned, before the meeting, the Nantes coach, Antoine Kombouaré.

The Canaries have just suffered their third consecutive defeat against the Champenois.

© 2021 AFP