Girondins victorious in the Atlantic Derby (0-1)

The most memorable image of this Nantes-Bordeaux derby came before the game had even begun: a moving homage to former Bordeaux and Nantes striker Emiliano Sala, who died so tragically this time last year.   In these emotional circumstances, the game took a while to get going. The Girondins initially struggled to keep hold of the ball, and it wasn't until the 14th minute that the Bordeaux attack strung together their first promising movement, ending in a shot just wide of the mark by Ui-Jo Hwang. Further chances were few and far between, as possession swung between the two sides. Nantes were solid at the back, with Bordeaux looking confident in midfield but lacking the clinical precision required in the final third. The half-time break arrived with little to report. The second half picked up where the first left off, with Bordeaux moving the ball around well but failing to make it count in the crucial areas. The turning point finally came in the 53rd minute, when Nantes' Girotto picked up a second yellw card for a foul on Nicolas de Préville. Nantes were down to ten men, with almost forty minutes left to play. But still, the Girondins struggled to create much in the way of attacking opportunities. The first shot on target finally came in the 66th minute, although Nicolas de Préville's effort was blocked decisively by the Nantes keeper (66’). Both sides seemed to be running out of steam, and the addition of Yacine Adli (78’) brought some much-needed freshness to the Bordeaux attack. The breakthrough finally came in the 86th minute when Mexer fired in a cross from the right wing for Jimmy Briand, waiting on the penalty spot. Jimmy coolly slotted past Nantes keeper Alban Lafont, sealing victory for the Girondins. Three precious points for Paulo Sousa's side, after a nightmare run of five successive defeats. An invaluable boost as we prepare for the all-important game against Marseille next Sunday (21:00), Le Classique.