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The Girondins travelled to face Guingamp this afternoon, seeking to kick-start their flagging Ligue 1 campaign in a must-win match. Bordeaux started the day in 19th position, with just one team below them in the table... Guingamp, still without a point to their name.
Thuram lights up the early exchanges
Desperate to put an end to their wretched start to the season, Guingamp wasted no time getting down to business. Their speed, desire and attacking intentions were best represented by the man at the peak of their attack: Marcus Thuram. Thuram seemed to be everywhere, causing all sorts of trouble for Sergi Palencia. He paired up with Etienne Didot for a series of chances from a corner (7’) and a well-placed long ball (12’). He also provided a splendid back heel to tee up Nolan Roux for a shot which flew just inches wide of the post, (14’) and drew a foul from Younousse Sankharé which saw the referee bring out his yellow card for the first of many times this afternoon (17’).
Bordeaux seize possession
After fifteen minutes of suffering, Bordeaux finally began to settle into the game. Having survived the early onslaught, the Girondins now managed to get hold of the ball and push forward. The first Bordeaux shot of the game came courtesy of Andreas Cornelius (22’). The Girondins began to see more of the ball, but Guingamp still had the better chances. Marcus Thuram burst forward yet again to test Benoît Costil (30’), but the best opportunity so far fell to Nolan Roux when Jules Koundé scuffed a pass intended for Sergi Palencia. The Breton striker pounced on the loose ball and fired off a lobbing effort which beat Costil but rebounded off the crossbar (37’).
A masterpiece from François Kamano
The Girondins had been tested throughout the first half, but kept their shape and kept themselves in the game. Things were to be very different in the second half. François Kamano set the tone early on, latching on to a good pass from Younousse Sankharé, following a header from Andreas Cornelius. That's when the magic started. The Guinean international charged straight through the defence and unleashed a superb, arching shot right into the top corner. Advantage Bordeaux (0-1, 53’). Younousse Sankharé almost made it two a few minutes later, but the keeper saw him coming (59’).
Guingamp bounce back
Guingamp had lost some of the energy which saw them dominate the first half, but they were still determined to get something from this game. When Pablo caught Marcus Thuram inside the box, the referee promptly reached for his card and pointed at the penalty spot. Thuram stepped up to take the spot-kick, pulling Guingamp level (1-1, 70’). On the Bordeaux bench, Eric Bedouet decided to send on some reinforcements. An excellent decision.
Super subs
Yann Karamoh was the first new addition, on for Samuel Kalu (76’). A switch which paid off within just four minutes. Andreas Cornelius laid off a clever ball to send Karamoh scuttling past Johansson, before rifling home from an impossibly tight angle (1-2, 80’) ! What a way for the new No. 8 to score his first goal for the Girondins! Guingamp refused to give up the fight, and began to inundate Bordeaux with long balls. The Girondins' defence held firm, and Benoît Costil produced a spectacular save to deny a late effort from Rebocho (90’). The Girondins finally put the game to bed courtesy fo Nicolas De Préville, another late sub who managed to get away from the defenders and connect with a fine delivery from Jules Koundé. Totally unmarked on the edge of the box, he had time to control the ball and skip past the keeper (1-3, 90’+5).
Bordeaux endured a tough start to this game, but came back roaring in the second half. The Girondins' second victory of the season takes them up to 14th place in the league, easing some of that early pressure. They'll be hoping to keep that positive form going in Wednesday's home game with Lille.
