Rennes secured a 1-0 victory over Reims in a Ligue 1 match marked by early drama

Rennes secured a 1-0 victory over Reims in a Ligue 1 match marked by early drama.  A red card for Reims' Cedric Kipre just three minutes into the game, following a bad challenge on Jordan James, set the tone.  Reims' woes compounded quickly when a handball resulted in a penalty, which Arnaud Kalimuendo converted for his 11th goal of the season.  

Despite Rennes having the numerical advantage, the remainder of the match lacked significant attacking action.  Reims' struggles worsened late in the game with a second yellow card for Hafiz Ibrahim, reducing them to nine players.  The loss extends Reims' winless streak to 12 league games, dating back to November 10th.  They've lost all four February matches and remain in 14th place, just four points above the relegation zone.  Meanwhile, the win lifts Rennes to 11th in the Ligue 1 standings.