PARIS — Striker Pablo Chavarria’s first-half header was enough to give promoted Reims a 1-0 home win against Lyon on Friday.
Reims has won its opening two games to move top of the league heading into this weekend’s games. Lyon was without forward Nabil Fekir — still rested following France’s World Cup success — and lacked creativity.
Although Reims clinched the second division title by a sizeable 15 points, it might have been expected to struggle considering it sold Brazilian attacking midfielder Diego Rigonato — Ligue 2’s best player last season with nine goals and 13 assists — and its 17-goal top scorer Jordan Siebatcheu.
But Reims has shown it is solid in defence, having also won 1-0 away at Nice last weekend.
Defending champion Paris Saint-Germain is at Guingamp on Saturday.
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