Toulouse FC picked up their first Ligue 1 Conforama win in 12 attempts with Issiaga Sylla’s first-half goal (45’1) enough to give Alain Casanova’s men all three points at Stade de Reims.
Stade de Reims 0-1 Toulouse FC 
THE MATCH
Mauro Goicoechea started in goal for Toulouse FC with Baptiste Reynet sent off in Sunday’s impressive, come-from-behind, 2-2 draw with Dijon FCO and he was called into action when Mathieu Cafaro let fly, and he met the challenge well, acrobatically turning the shot around the post for a corner (18′). Toulouse soon settled, and after Corentin Jean had flashed an effort narrowly past Edouard Mendy’s far post (30′), they took the lead through Sylla, who got the break of the ball box and forced home his first goal since May (45+1′). Cafaro forced another save from Goicoechea on the stroke of half-time (45+2′) and Le Téfécé carried a 1-0 lead into the interval.
Casanova clever
Reims coach David Guion must have had strong words with his players during the break because they could have levelled the score twice before the hour was out. Xavier Chavalerin’s header was well kept out by Goicoechea (56′) before the second Thomas Foket cross in quick succession found Yunis Abdelhamid, whose header hit the post (58′). Guion’s opposite number recognised the problem, though, and rectified it with the introductions of Yannick Cahuzac (62′) and Manu Garcia (68′) to shore up his midfield. Manchester City-owned Garcia was sent off at the death for a bad foul on Moussa Doumbia (90+6′) but by then the points were secure.
THE PLAYER: Mauro Goicoechea
This was a stunning performance from Goicoechea. The Uruguayan plucked the ball out of the air six times and made a further five saves, helping his side to just their third clean sheet of the season. Signed from Portuguese side Arouca in 2015, the shot-stopper has had to play second fiddle since he got to the south of France, but his heroics here mean that Reynet should have a fight on his hands when it comes to reclaiming the number one spot.
THE STAT: 12
This was Toulouse’s first Ligue 1 Conforama win in 12 attempts. The last time Le Téfécé picked up all three points in the French top flight was back in Week 4, when Max Gradel and Ibrahima Sangaré scored in a 2-1 win at bottom club EA Guingamp.
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