Bordeaux beaten in the Garonne Derby [2-1]

The Garonne Derby got underway under a blazing summer sun, with both teams keen to secure their first points of the season. There were no tentative exchanges here, as both sides got straight down to business. Lukas Lerager intercepted the ball in midfield and charged forward, running up against Reynet (12’). Samuel Kalu was next to try his chances (15’). But the best of the early chances fell to Toulouse. Gradel sent Moubandjé clear down the left flank, and his cross found Dossevi unmarked in the box... fortunately his shot ricocheted off the post (16’). The August heat ensured that things soon slowed down. There were a few occasional flashes of excitement, though: Moubandjé put in a dangerous shot on the turn (29’), Jules Koundé came close with a header (34’) and Bordeaux's new recruit Sergi Palencia was particularly active. With half time fast approaching, both sides looked content to take a break with the scoreboard still empty. But Leya Iseka had other ideas... The striker unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box, lobbing Benoît Costil (1-0, 44’). Eric Bedouet knew a change was in order, and sent on Jimmy Briand for the second half. A tactical move which soon paid off when the newcomer teed up François Kamano for his excellent equaliser (1-1, 51’). The game was finally coming to life. Max-Alain Gradel dribbled past two Bordeaux players on his way towards Costil's goal, but the back line managed to clear the danger. Not for long. A clever throw-in saw Dossevi charge through the Girondins' defence and slide past Benoît Costil from close range (2-1, 67’). A well-deserved goal to cap off a spell of dominant play from the hosts. The Girondins set off in search of an equaliser, but their difficult week was not over yet. Toulouse were waiting to strike on the counter, forcing two huge saves from Benoît Costil to deny first Durmaz (75’) and then Moubandjé (76’). Bordeaux never gave up, and created two strong chances late in the day. Samuel Kalu sped past his man and crossed for Jimmy Briand, but Reynet had it covered (90’+1). Barely a minute later he pounced again to deny François Kamano (90’+2). A derby day to forget for the Girondins, despite a number of decent chances in the first half. The boys have a job to do to get back to top form for their crucial Europa League qualifer against Gent later this week.