Nantes and Reims dented each other's hopes of earning a European spot by playing out a goalless draw in Ligue 1 on Saturday.
Despite the away side's dominance, they couldn't find a way past a resilient Nantes defence, as both sides were forced to settle for a point apiece in an entertaining 0-0 draw at Stade de la Beaujoire.
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Reims had the opening chance of the match in the fifth minute when Floyd Ayite released Antoine Devaux, but his shot flashed wide.
Nantes responded with their first meaningful attack nearly half an hour later, but Filip Djordjevic's effort flew wide of the target.
Reims threatened once more seven minutes before half time when Ayite beat his man before drilling a shot just wide.
The visitors came closest to opening the scoring just two minutes before half time when Odair Fortes's long-range curler was tipped onto the crossbar by Remy Riou.
Nantes threatened early on after the break with Serge Gakpe, who unleashed a powerful strike from 30 yards out but struggled to work Kossi Agassa in the Reims goal, who was on hand to deny Alejandro Bedoya in the 66th minute and then keep out Djordjevic just moments later.
Reims created the final opportunity of the game with just a minute to play as Devaux's cross was met with a first-time effort by Eliran Atar, but Riou reacted well to punch the danger clear.
The result sees Nantes climb up to fifth in the table, a place ahead of Reims on goal difference, with both sides leapfrogging Marseille in the process.
Matt Cotton
