Five key stats from week 12 in Ligue 1 featuring Lille’s amazing defensive record

Champagne football fired Reims to sixth

After wins against Lille, Lyon and Marseille in the league, Reims knocked Monaco out of the Coupe de la Ligue mid-week; they could have been forgiven for being a little tired for the visit of Bastia on Saturday. It was quite the opposite in fact, scoring four goals and playing their excellent brand of consistent, attacking and direct football to get the better of their Corsican opponents.

Their heat-map clearly shows their game-plan, attack down the wings and look for the midfield to provide support through the centre with great off the ball movement. They completed 82% of the 506 passes they attempted, again with the majority of the moves being built down the channels. Nicolas De Preville’s opening goal came after a blistering run down the left from Olivier Fortes, he found the striker just outside the box, and his finish beat Landreau low into the corner. Grzegorz Krychowiak’s penalty made it two at half-time.

In the second half the third goal came from the very impressive Prince Oniague, a thunderous shot from 20 yards made it four goals in four games for the Parisian born midfielder, he has been superb since his move from Ligue 2 side Tours. If he continues to impress clubs from England and elsewhere in France will start showing an interest. The fourth goal was another from the wide areas; Mads Albæk broke down the left, crossing for Israeli Eliran Atar to spark the popping of Champagne corks.

Their high pressure, fast break style is causing problems for Ligue 1 clubs, staying in Ligue 1 was the target, who knows where they could finish if they can keep this form going into 2014.