Cedric Kipre's second-half header grabbed Reims a 1-1 draw against Metz in the first leg of their Ligue 1 relegation/promotion playoff on Wednesday at the Stade Saint-Symphorien.
Matthieu Udol put Metz in front seven minutes before halftime, but Ivorian Kipre flicked in Sergio Akieme's free-kick early in the second period.
Reims held on to ensure the tie would be level heading into next Thursday's second leg at the Stade Auguste Delaune.
Samba Diawara's men are hoping to avoid relegation from the top flight for the first time since being promoted in 2018 after finishing 16th in Ligue 1.
Metz – who were relegated last season after losing the playoff to Saint-Etienne – reached the final with victory over Dunkerque last week, having blown their automatic promotion hopes with a late collapse to finish third in Ligue 2 behind Paris FC and Lorient.