Reims have picked up their first victory at Lille in over 50 years to close in on a European spot.
The home side had the better of the chances in the first half of the Ligue 1 match, although they were unable to truly break down a resolute Reims side.
Kossi Agassa was forced into action on a number of occasions, with Solomon Kalou coming closest to beating the keeper having got his toe on a loose ball following a free kick, but the Togolese keeper came out on top.
Lille were unable to create any real openings, however, and it proved costly when Hubert Fournier's side took the lead in bizarre circumstances through Odair Fortes.
Fortes had only been on the field for a few minutes when Djibril Sidibe's attempted clearance hit the Reims striker in the face and the rebound found its way past Vincent Enyeama in the Lille goal.
Having dominated the game, the hosts found themselves two behind when Grzegorz Krychowiak headed home a corner to send Reims on course for their first win at Lille since 1959.
Anthony Weber's own goal from a looping header late on made for a nervy final few minutes, but Les Dogues held out for the three points, which put them level with fifth-placed Marseille in the league table.
Daniel Lewis
