:format(webp)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/grupoclarin/6QRRE7GX2VCB7KVYFDNZHOCKJQ.jpg "Victory for Nice, draw for Brest; Both clubs are fighting for a ticket to the Champions League.")
PARIS (AP) — Brest squandered a chance to secure a place in the next Champions League after drawing 1-1 at home against Reims on Friday in the French league.
Brest secured its presence in European competitions for the first time in its history, but remains in third place, three points ahead of Lille.
The first three places qualify for the Champions League. Fourth place Lille has a game in hand.
Marshall Munetsi put Reims ahead when he headed home a cross after 25 minutes. Lilian Brassier equalized for Brest with a header in first-half stoppage time.
Fifth-placed Nice are also in contention for a place in the next Champions League after Jeremie Boga’s goal gave them a 1-0 win over Le Havre.
Nice is four points behind Brest, and one behind Lille. Friday’s victory marked their fifth game without losing.
The result on the southern coast of France was a blow to long-suffering Le Havre.
A victory could have ended the risk of relegation. However, they only remain three points clear of the relegation zone with one date left to play.
Metz was three points behind in relegation positions, but with a game in hand.