Wilson-Esbrand, who is on loan from Manchester City, scored Reims' first goal in the 84th minute with a looping shot into the far corner. Reims was victorious in the match with a 1-0 score against Lorient. Teddy Teuma's downward header and Mohamed Daramy's deflected attempt were both brilliantly saved by Lorient goalkeeper Yvon Mvogo as Reims controlled the first half. Reims coach Will Still was sent off in the 81st minute for disobedience after he received a second yellow card. Still, he was frustrated by Lorient's apparent time-wasting.
The runners-up from the previous season, Lens, will be looking to bounce back from their subpar start to the new league on Saturday in the other Ligue 1 match. With a 4-0 pounding of Nantes, thanks to two goals and an assist from Florian Sotoca, Franck Haise's team moved up to ninth place.