The match began with Reims dominating the early stages, but their chances were met with saves and missed opportunities. Mory Gbane's shot was blocked, and Ange Martial Tia headed the ball over the crossbar after a promising cross.

The intensity of the game remained high throughout the first half, but both teams struggled to capitalize on their chances. Reims goalkeeper Yehvaan Diouf showcased exceptional composure, making a crucial save to deny Cheikh Sabaly.

Amadou Kone and Keito Nakamura also had shots blocked, but neither team could find the back of the net. The score remained goalless at the end of the first half.

The second half saw no decline in intensity, with Tia heading wide from a cross and Kevin Van Den Kerkhof firing over the bar. The deadlock was finally broken in the 57th minute when Junya Ito controlled the ball in the box, and Tia scored past Reims goalkeeper Pape Sy.

Reims responded well to the goal but struggled to find a way past Diouf. After Mamadou Diakhon missed a chance, Matthieu Udol equalized with a strike that Diouf couldn't keep out.

The match went into extra-time, where both teams continued to push for a winner. Pape Amadou Diallo and Ito had shots saved at either end, before Urie-Michel Mboula and Ito both had chances that went wide.

In the 110th minute, Gauthier Hein made a crucial run and backheeled the ball to Alpha Toure, who scored the winning goal.

Hein sealed the win with an incredible strike from outside the box, securing Metz's immediate return to Ligue 1.

Reims, on the other hand, lost their chance to stay in the top tier, just five days after missing out on the Coupe de France title.