Saint-Etienne expected to hold its first victory in nearly a month in the league. But the Greens finally conceded a draw against Reims after stoppage time, Sunday, February 23.
Denis Bouanga had, however, allowed his family to take advantage on one of their rare occasions. On a center of Frank Honorat come from the right, the striker from Stéphane passed in front of the Réoise defense to place a stung head which surprised Predrag Rajkovic (1-0, 73e).
As Claude Puel's men headed for their first victory since January 25, Yann M’vila made an unfortunate mistake in his penalty area. The Stéphanois cut Boulaye Dia's run and referee Benoît Bastien logically designated the penalty spot. The Rémois striker did not have to be asked and brought his own tied at the end of the game, taking Jessy Moulin against the right foot (1-1, 94e).
Complicated situation
With the draw, the Greens continue their five-game losing streak. They've won only one of their last ten games. This bad series plunged them from sixth to fifteenth place.
They are only two points ahead of Nîmes, 18e and roadblocker, who faces Rennes from 5 p.m. The situation is all the more perilous as Claude Puel’s men face Lyon in the derby next week.
The Rémois, them, limited the breakage, but they still have as much evil to chain the successes. David Guion’s men have won two straight games only once since October 19. They now occupy eighth place.
