Ligue 1: Reims boost survival hopes with impressive win over 10-man Nantes

Reims moved six points clear of Ligue 1's bottom three thanks to a 3-1 win over 10-man Nantes on Saturday.

Gregory Bourillon and Aissa Mandi scored in two first-half minutes before visitors Nantes were reduced to 10 men after Chaker Alhadhur was shown a harsh red card just before the break.

Reims extended their lead in the 59th minute thanks to David NGog with Ismael Bangoura finding a late consolation for Nantes.

The result put Reims in 13th place on 35 points while Nantes were one point and three places to the good.

Nantes almost had the perfect start when Yacine Bammou drilled a low effort inches wide in the second minute, but it was hosts Reims who made the breakthrough in the 14th thanks to Bourillon.

Diego's corner was deflected to the far post by Gaetan Cahrbonnier where Bourillon arrived to volley in with a powerful shot.

Reims doubled their lead two minutes later thanks to a counter-attack led by Benjamin Moukandjo, who released Franck Signorino whose ball to the far post was volleyed in by Mandi at close range.

Things went from bad to worse for Nantes in the 44th minute when Alhadhur was sent off for a challenge on Benjamin Moukandjo which seemed to be harsh.

After the break, N'Gog found Reims' third goal after a poor clearance by Nantes keeper Remy Riou fell at his feet allowing a simple shot on goal.

Nantes did pull one back in the 77th minute though Bangoura after a good cross from Serge Gakpe found the striker in the centre of the box, where he beat Reims keeper Kossi Agassa, however, it was too little too late for the visitors.