Reims draw but stay in drop zone

Reims remain mired in the Ligue 1 drop zone after drawing 1-1 with Toulouse on Saturday.

Reims remain mired in the Ligue 1 drop zone after drawing 1-1 with Toulouse on Saturday. The hosts spurned the chance to take the lead five minutes before the break when Gaetan Courtet saw his penalty saved, and Toulouse capitalised when Etienne Capoue fired them in front early in the second half. Reims rescued a point inside when Grzegorz Krychowiak lashed home a superb effort from distance, although the result means the hosts remain winless since October 6. Toulouse went close to opening the scoring inside five minutes, Yannick Djalo releasing Wissam Ben Yedder but his shot drew an excellent reflex save from Johnny Placide. Reims responded well and headers from Antoine Devaux and Pape Souare forced Ali Ahamada into action in the Toulouse goal. The Toulouse goalkeeper made an even more telling contribution in the 40th minute, diving to his left to save Courtet's spot-kick, which was awarded after a foul by Serge Aurier on Diego Rigonato. Toulouse nearly went ahead in the 51st minute but Djalo's fine effort from 25 yards came back off the crossbar, but five minutes later the visitors were celebrating as Franck Tabanou released Capoue and the France international fired home. Ahamada denied Diego in the 59th minute as Reims were again frustrated in front of goal. But the hosts got their reward 17 minutes from time when a weak defensive clearance fell to Krychowiak 25 yards out, and the Polish defender controlled the ball on his chest before lashing home a wonderful volley.