The stage is set at the iconic Stade Auguste Delaune in Reims, France, for a captivating Ligue 2 clash on September 23, 2025, as Stade de Reims welcome Clermont Foot. This encounter pits two teams with intertwined recent histories against each other, with Clermont having recently been relegated from Ligue 1 after the 2023-2024 season, while Reims finished a respectable 9th in the top flight during the same campaign. Now, both find themselves navigating the competitive waters of France’s second tier, each eager to assert dominance and pursue their ambitions. With the league season still taking shape, what narratives will unfold in this crucial early-season fixture? Will Reims leverage their home advantage, or can Clermont Foot, eager to prove their mettle in Ligue 2, spring a surprise?
Head-to-Head
The history between Stade de Reims and Clermont Foot is marked by a balanced rivalry, having met on numerous occasions across various competitions. In a total of 26 recorded matches, both teams share an equal number of victories, with Stade de Reims securing 9 wins and Clermont Foot also claiming 9 wins, alongside 8 draws. The goal difference between the two sides stands narrowly in favour of Reims, at 32-31.
Recent Results (Last 5 Meetings):
- April 28, 2024: Clermont Foot 4 – 1 Stade de Reims
- August 20, 2023: Stade de Reims 2 – 0 Clermont Foot
- April 30, 2023: Clermont Foot 1 – 0 Stade de Reims
- August 14, 2022: Stade de Reims 2 – 4 Clermont Foot
- January 9, 2022: Clermont Foot 0 – 0 Stade de Reims
These recent encounters highlight the unpredictable nature of this fixture, with significant wins for both sides. Clermont’s 4-1 victory in April 2024 and their 4-2 win in August 2022 demonstrate their capacity for high-scoring performances against Reims. A notable outcome also includes a goalless draw, indicating that tightly contested affairs are not uncommon between these two teams.
Current Form & Team News
As this match is scheduled for September 2025, specific real-time injury lists, suspensions, or precise “current form” statistics are speculative. However, drawing insights from their recent history and projected early 2025-2026 Ligue 2 season performance provides a valuable context.
Stade de Reims
Stade de Reims concluded the 2023-2024 Ligue 1 season in 9th position, showcasing a competitive spirit. Heading into the 2025-2026 Ligue 2 season, their projected form suggests a solid start. Up to Round 7 of the simulated season, Reims has demonstrated a “Good” overall form, with an anticipated record of 2 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses. Crucially, Reims is expected to boast an “excellent” home record early in the season, with 2 wins and no draws or losses in their opening home fixtures. This formidable home presence at Stade Auguste Delaune will undoubtedly be a key factor.
From the 2023-2024 season, players like Teddy Teuma (top goalscorer with 6 goals) and Junya Itō (80 chances created) were integral to Reims’ attacking play. While new talents may emerge by 2025, their core philosophy often involves disciplined defending and swift transitions. The departure of former head coach Will Still in May 2024 and the appointment of Samba Diawara as interim head coach may have introduced tactical adjustments, and any permanent managerial changes by 2025 would further shape their approach.
Clermont Foot
Clermont Foot faced relegation from Ligue 1 at the end of the 2023-2024 season, returning to Ligue 2 after three years. This experience could either fuel a determined comeback or lead to a period of adjustment. Their projected form for the early 2025-2026 Ligue 2 season indicates a “Good” overall performance, with an estimated 2 wins, 3 draws, and 1 loss. Interestingly, Clermont’s away form is considered “very good” with 1 win, 2 draws, and no losses in their opening away fixtures, suggesting a resilience on the road. However, another source indicates no wins, two draws, and no losses in away fixtures. This suggests they can be a tough team to beat away from home, even if victories are hard to come by.
Muhammed Cham was a key attacking outlet for Clermont in their 2023-2024 Ligue 1 campaign, netting 8 goals. Clermont’s tactical setup typically prioritizes defensive solidity, especially when facing stronger opposition or playing away from home. They often rely on counter-attacks and set pieces to create scoring opportunities.
Tactical Preview
Given the strengths and recent tendencies of both teams, the match at Stade Auguste Delaune is likely to be a tactical battle.
- Stade de Reims: Under a new coaching structure since mid-2024, Reims is expected to maintain a structured approach, possibly favoring a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation. At home, they will aim to dominate possession and press high, utilizing the pace of their wingers and the creative play of their midfielders to break down Clermont’s defense. Their strong home record suggests an aggressive, front-footed start to matches.
- Clermont Foot: Relegation often leads to a more pragmatic approach. Clermont will likely deploy a compact 4-4-2 or 5-3-2 formation, focusing on defensive organization and frustrating Reims’ attacking moves. They will aim to absorb pressure and hit on the counter-attack, using direct balls to their forwards. The midfield battle will be crucial, with Clermont attempting to disrupt Reims’ passing lanes and win aerial duels.
The Stade Auguste Delaune pitch is expected to be in excellent condition for a September fixture, and the weather in France at that time of year is typically mild, minimizing any external factors on playing conditions. As Reims is playing at home, travel fatigue will not be an issue for them, while Clermont will have travelled, though professional teams are well-equipped to manage this.
