Japan attacker Keito Nakamura scored his first goal for Reims in the first-division French Ligue 1 on Tuesday, while 19-year-old Taichi Fukui made his top-team debut for Bayern Munich in the German Cup.
Nakamura, a summer signing from Austrian outfit LASK, scored what turned out to be the winner for Reims in its 2-1 victory away to Lille, chipping past the keeper in the 16th to double the lead at Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
Mohamed Daramy poked home the 12th-minute opener following a corner for Reims, with Marshall Munetsi setting up both goals. Benjamin Andre’s 78th-minute header gave Lille some hope, but the home side ultimately fell short.
“I’m super happy, I don’t think I can sleep tonight. I was able to receive the ball in a good position to score,” said Nakamura as the 23-year-old thanked his teammates, including fellow Japan winger Junya Ito, for their parts in the buildup.
Reims is fifth on 10 points after six games in the French top tier, three points off leader Brest.
Midfielder Fukui, meanwhile, made his first appearance for German giant Bayern in its 4-0 win away to third-tier Prussia Muenster in the German Cup’s first round.
The visitors maintained their 3-0 halftime lead before Fukui replaced Joshua Kimmich in the 63rd minute, and the youngster put in a solid performance playing in a deep-lying midfield role.
Fukui, who joined Bayern from J. League top-tier side Sagan Tosu in January, was named on the bench by manager Thomas Tuchel for the first time in a Bundesliga match on Sept. 15.