Reims goalkeeper Edouard Mendy made a series of decisive saves to help his team to a 0-0 draw at Nantes in the French league on Sunday.
Reims, which gained promotion last season by securing the second-division title, played with an efficient five-man midfield that smothered most of the hosts’ attacking moves. And when Nantes managed to break through, Mendy was decisive in his goal.
In the first half, Mendy stopped a dangerous cross from Enock Kwateng in the 31st minute then pushed away efforts from Emiliano Sala and Samuel Moutoussamy.
Gabriel Boschilia came close to breaking the deadlock in the 64th for Nantes with a well-taken free kick but Mendy made a brilliant diving save.
Still looking for a first home win this season, Nantes remains in 17th place two points behind Reims after five rounds of matches, lagging 10 points behind leader Paris Saint-Germain.
GOALS GALORE IN BORDEAUX
Bordeaux manager Ricardo’s first game in charge ended 3-3 after his players twice failed to hold onto their lead in a spectacular six-goal match.
Bordeaux, which was looking for a win after losing three of its four first matches, was held by Nimes in their first meeting since 1993. Nimes is back to the top flight this season.
Jimmy Briand put Bordeaux in the lead with his first goal since he joined from Guingamp in the 26th minute and completed a double after halftime.
Bordeaux went 3-2 up in the 57th when 21-year-old Nigerian player Samuel Kalu scored his first top flight goal with a beautiful left-footed strike off the far post after slaloming through the Nimes defense.
The highly rated Umut Bozok, who had delivered an assist for Baptiste Guillaume earlier in the game, snatched Nimes’ equalizer with 13 minutes left. It was Bozok’s first goal this season after netting 24 in the second division last season.
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